For Cycle to Work Day 2024, we hope to encourage people across Scotland to reassess their commute to work. As prices rise across the country, there may be an alternative way to get to work that provides strong financial benefits.
Cycle to Work Day
With an average journey time of 54 minutes each day for people across Scotland, we spend a lot of our time commuting to work. However, as any commuter knows, it’s not only time that we spend on the commute, but a lot of money too.
In Scotland, the cost of commuting has been on the rise. Since April 2024, Scotland has seen an 8.7% increase in train fares. And bus fares are beginning to follow; with First Bus announcing new prices in Glasgow starting from the 4th of August 2024. We are experiencing rising costs across the country and in all aspects of life; the cost of commuting is no exception.
If you are finding it difficult to keep up with your essential costs such as travel as a result of having unaffordable debt, Trust Deed Scotland ® may be able to help you. With a team of experienced debt advisers, we can discuss your circumstances with you and help you to understand if any of the formal debt solutions available in Scotland are right for you, allowing you to free up some much-needed cash to tackle the more basic day to day costs.
Cycle to Work Scheme
This Cycle to Work Day, we are discussing the potential benefits to your pockets when choosing to ditch the cost of public transportation and your car for a new set of wheels. This is especially a great financial choice if you can enjoy the cycle to work scheme as part of your employee benefits. This scheme allows you to spread the cost of a bike and other cycling accessories to make it more affordable. And – you will no longer be at the mercy of the rising commute costs!
Find out if you can apply for the Cycle to Work Scheme.
Cost of Commuting
In findings from Bank of Scotland’s How Scotland Lives study, in partnership with YouGov, it was found that commuters in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians are most likely to use public transport, with driving as the second most common choice for travel.
Looking at the cost of commuting in cities across the UK, Edinburgh was found to be the second most expensive city to commute to behind London. It was estimated that people commuting to work in Edinburgh pay an average of £308.80 monthly which came to 15.82% of the average salary. People in Glasgow were found to spend an average of £178.80 per month on their commute, which came to 9.08% of the average salary.
Although commuting to work takes up a large part of our monthly expenses, for many people across the country it is a necessity. Cycling to work can help reduce or eliminate this cost.
Mental Health Benefits of Cycling to Work
It’s clear that cycling is physically beneficial; it’s great for the heart, lungs and overall physical health. On top of this, regular cycling can also help with mental health; with the potential to reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
We know that mental health issues and financial difficulty are often linked. In our most recent customer survey, almost 91% of our customers told us that debt had an impact on their mental health before entering a debt solution¹. We hear from many of our customers that their financial worries lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulties with sleep. By cycling to work, you can improve not only physical health but mental health and financial strain as well.
Financial Benefits of Cycling to Work
There is a great potential to save money on fuel, parking and wear-and-tear on your car by saving it the trip to work and back. And, with public transportation costs on the rise, switching to cycle to work can decrease your monthly commute expense.
In 2022, it was found that 75% of employees travelled 10 miles or less to work. Depending on your distance – and the UK weather! – we know that cycling to work won’t always be an easy choice. However, simply cycling every so often will still bring your commute costs down. The more you cycle, the more you can save, with the potential to reduce your annual expenses by £1,262.
How To Cycle to Work
Getting started on your cycle to work journey can feel daunting, not unlike any change. So, read below for some tips on how to get started.
Plan your Route
Whether you know the area well, or you’re unsure of the best cycle routes, planning your journey is the best way to get started. CycleStreets.net provides you with a choice of cycling routes; showing the various elevations on the route as well as the average traffic and crossing delays.
Test Cycle
Before cycling to the office, we recommend trying out your route on a day with no time constraints. This means that you can take your time and reassess your route if necessary. Ideally, the weekend is great to test your route for the first time.
If you’re still unsure on how to get started, research more cycle to work tips and talk to co-workers or people you know who already cycle to work.
¹ November – December 2023 Trust Deed Scotland® customer survey with 2,246 responses.