Hire schemes pedal powering Cycle to Work Day 2022

On Thursday 4th August UK residents are encouraged to choose pedal power to get to work, with several initiatives looking to boost participation. 

Launched in 2011, and inspired by its American counterpart which boasts a history stretching back to 1956, when the first US National Bike Day was held, Cycle to Work Day is all about British residents choosing active travel over car-based commutes. 

The idea is to not only encourage people to include more exercise in their daily routines, but also help to alleviate the ongoing air pollution problem impacting every corner of the country. 

Local authorities across the country are getting behind the scheme, citing savings on fuel amid the escalating cost-of-living-crisis, easing congestion, and reducing emissions as major benefits of switching to pedal power. 

Warwickshire Council, for example, is signposting its own Active Travel online hub, and will also welcome the Road Races of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games on Sunday 7th August – essentially making this a huge week for cycling in the county. 

In Dorset, the UK’s leading micromobility provider, Beryl, has teamed up with the council to offer thousands of people a chance to try out two-wheeled active travel through a new bike sharing scheme, temporarily free of charge, with more than 122 bicycles spread across 50 bays in the region. 

Meanwhile, Glasgow – where a new People First Zone was recently launched to encourage more active travel – is giving people the opportunity to hire an OVO Bike for free. Those interested should download the Nextbike app and use the code CARFREE40 to claim 40minutes of complimentary bike hire. 

Image credit:  Jordan Brierley