In line with Cycle to Work Day 2025, new research from BHN Extras reveals just how far UK employees are willing to go for a better commute, this includes taking home less pay. The findings highlight the mental, financial and physical toll of the daily journey to work, and why cycling could be the key to a more positive commute experience.
Brits are willing to sacrifice pay for a better commute
Fed up with delays, costs and crowding, UK employees are ready to make sacrifices. Over a third (34%) of UK workers say they would accept a pay cut for a shorter commute. This sentiment is strongest in Greater London (39%), an estimated 3.84 million people say they’d take a pay cut for a shorter commute. That compares to 34% in Scotland and 40% of younger workers nationwide.
Investment without return
With 44% of the workforce now fully back in the office five days a week, the pressure of the daily routine is front and centre. Over 7 in 10 workers (71%) have complaints, most commonly that commutes take too long (42%), followed by cost (28%), overcrowding (20%), bad commuter behaviour (20%) and delays (17%).. In fact, only 29% of workers say they have no complaints.
Commuting isn’t just stressful, it’s expensive. The average UK employee spends £122 a month travelling to work, rising to £192 in London. Yet only 23% say they “love” their commute, and 50% say they don’t like it at all. On the other hand, cyclists are far more likely to say they enjoy their commute – with 40% loving it.
Cycling benefits are well understood – but less UK workers are taking it up
Cycling could be the antidote to commuter stress, and for good reason. 87% of UK workers recognise personal benefits in cycling, with the top three being improved physical health (55%), saving money (52%) and helping the environment (37%). Many also link it to improved mental wellbeing, with 37% of all workers citing this as the top benefit, rising to 46% among those who started cycling in the last year.
Despite this, uptake is falling. Just 25% of workers currently cycle to work, down from 32% in 2024. However, there is hope, 36% say they’re considering it.
Barriers to cycling remain persistent
The barriers are real and persistent. Long commutes (40%), safety concerns (34%) bad weather (31%) and lack of access to a bike (21%) all contribute to the drop-off.
Despite growing awareness, cultural myths are also still getting in the way. Over one in five (22%) believe you need to be “super fit” to cycle to work. A perception that may make cycling feel intimidating or exclusive.
Encouragingly, the myth is starting to crack. Fitness as a perceived barrier has dropped 10 percentage points year-on-year (from 23% to 13%). The message is beginning to land but there’s more to do to reposition cycling as something for everyone. Meanwhile, 40% of all workers say they wouldn’t even consider cycling to work – another clear opportunity to shift perceptions and accessibility.
The solution to commuting stress
E-bikes could be the missing link between desire and action. By helping people overcome barriers like distance (40%) and fitness (13%), they offer a low-effort way to embrace cycling. But awareness is still limited, 58% of employees have never considered using one. And those who are considering cycling tend to fall into concentrated groups: 41% are aged 25-34, 34% are male, and 48% are London-based. These clusters point to proof of concept, but there’s huge opportunity to grow the trend nationally.
Employers hold the key to unlocking active commutes – and it doesn’t take much. A significant 44% of workers say access to an e-bike through work would encourage them to start cycling. A further 39% want employer support for cycling gear or equipment, while 36% say flexible hours would help.
Steve Edgell, Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, said:“These findings are a clear signal that UK workers are crying out for a better way to commute. Cycling is a practical, proven solution that improves wellbeing, saves money and boosts productivity.
As this new research shows, over half of employees recognise the financial benefits of cycling and many are willing to change how they travel if given the right support. That’s why the Cycle to Work Scheme is so important: it removes financial barriers and empowers employees to take control of their commute.
As we mark Cycle to Work Day, we’re calling on more employers to embrace the scheme and offer access to bikes and e-bikes as a simple but powerful workplace benefit. It’s not just good for people – it’s good for workplace productivity, and good for the planet.”
Adrian Warren, Senior Director, BHN Extras’s, said: “The journey to work is taking a real toll on people’s wallets, wellbeing and time. Our research shows just how far workers are willing to go for a better commute, even accepting a pay cut. That’s a powerful signal that change is needed. Cycling, and particularly access to e-bikes, could be a game-changer. The appetite is there, with over a third of workers (40%) saying they’d be more likely to cycle if e-bikes were available through their employer.This speaks to a growing shift in commuter behaviour that employers and benefit providers can’t afford to ignore. And ultimately, that’s a huge opportunity for the industry to support healthier, happier and more cost-effective commuting for employees, and to help make active travel the everyday choice, not the exception.”
Chris Ronald, MD at BHN, said: “With the focus on hybrid working and work-life balance, commuting is now truly a major factor in how people feel about their jobs. The fact that so many workers would take a pay cut for a better journey shows just how important it’s become. Employers have a real chance to make a difference here. Offering flexible working patterns or access to regular or e-bikes makes a difference. The right approach will engage staff,improve wellbeing, boost morale and show employees they’re valued.This is ultimately about organisations empowering their employees to benefit from meaningful, everyday support that improves how people experience their work lives. These kinds of benefits don’t just help people get to work, they help them feel better about being at work.”
