How cycle racks set businesses up for a healthier and more sustainable 2026

Millions of people start the year with good intentions. They want to get fitter, live more sustainably, and maybe finally achieve the perfect work-life balance. For employers, this is a great opportunity. By making cycling to work easier, you can help your staff turn those good intentions into lasting habits. How, you may ask? By investing in cycle racks and shelters that make active commuting practical, safe, and appealing.

Cycling for everyday wellbeing

Cycling is more than a way to get from A to B. It improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of serious illness. It also supports mental health, easing stress and giving energy levels a boost. The Cycle to Work Alliance’s 2025 report “Pedalling Prevention” found that cycling to work improves overall wellbeing and reduces premature deaths. Does your business already have a wellness programme? Cycle facilities are a natural addition, allowing staff to build healthy routines into their commute.

Productivity gains and less sick leave

Research commissioned by the Cycle to Work Alliance found that cycling to work generates £37 million every year in reduced sickness absence and increased productivity. Employees who cycle are less likely to take sick leave. Studies show they average 4.5 fewer days off per year compared to colleagues who drive.

For councils, this means healthier communities and reduced strain on public health services. For businesses, it improves resilience in a challenging economy. All thanks to fewer work disruptions, better performance, and staff that are energised rather than depleted.

Helps organisations meet wellbeing and sustainability goals

Employers and public sector organisations are under pressure to address wellbeing and sustainability. The CIPD’s Keep Britain Working report (2025) highlighted the need to tackle sickness absence and low productivity through better health support. Cycle racks and shelters may not seem all that important in the grand scheme of things, but they do directly support these goals.

For businesses, they can improve reputation, showing staff and potential recruits that they care about wellbeing and sustainability. For councils, they align with government national active travel targets. The goal is to make half of all urban trips active by 2030. As part of this, projects like creating a 3,500-mile national walking and cycling network are planned.

Environmental and social impact

Installing cycle furniture is a practical step towards a healthier planet. Cycling is one of the most accessible ways to cut carbon emissions. Every journey by bike reduces congestion, improves air quality, and reduces demand for car parking spaces. It also makes it easier for everyone to get around. Cycling is affordable, inclusive, and available to people who may not have access to cars or more expensive transport options.

The New Year is a great time to encourage change. By investing in cycle racks now, employers can make the most of that new year’s resolution energy and be ready to support staff who want to make healthier, greener choices.

Cycle racks and shelters enable people to live healthier lifestyles and make workplaces more resilient, and communities more sustainable. For businesses, they mean fitter, more productive staff. For councils, they mean progress towards cleaner, more inclusive towns and cities. So make cycling easy and the benefits will follow. Take a look at our range of cycle furniture to help get your business or organisation fit for the future.