Cyclescheme, part of market-leading rewards and incentives provider Blackhawk Network, today received international recognition by being awarded the gold accreditation as a Cycle Friendly Employer. 

The Cycle Friendly Employer Scheme (CFE-UK) is part of the EU ‘Bike2Work’ project and is about helping more people cycle to work. Organisations can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation within the scheme.  

The CFE-UK scheme is the only international standard for workplace cycling and recognises how commuting by bike has many proven benefits for both employees and their employers. In the UK, national charity, Cycling UK is the provider of the scheme. 

To achieve the gold accreditation, the Bath based provider for the UK’s Cycle to Work Scheme, Cyclescheme has shown it’s an exemplary employer when it comes to providing for its cycling staff’s needs. From showers to individual lockers, private parking to a washing machine and tumbler, Cyclescheme has gone the extra mile.  

This wasn’t lost on Cyclescheme’s Product Support Specialist Lucy Anderson-Roberts, a cycling convert since she joined the company six years ago.  

“Before joining the company, like many people I know, I was put off by the perceived drawbacks of cycling, like the cold weather and the practicalities of showering and changing at the office,” she said. “Cyclescheme has made getting on a bike a simple and desirable option for me, and their approach is accessible to all, with resources and advice to support any experience level.  

“They hand out quarterly rewards for engagement and activity which recognise individuals for their cycling milestones, this really keeps me motivated. I have to say that I am now a riding convert.’ 

For Laurence Boon, Product Manager at Cyclescheme, putting staff welfare first was just as important as being a shining example of what a cycle friendly employer looks like: 

“We are extremely privileged to receive the 'Gold' Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation – we’re so proud that many colleagues who did not cycle prior to joining us are now avid enthusiasts. 

“It’s a great honour to not only to deliver the UK's most impactful cycle to work scheme to our clients throughout the UK but also to practice what we preach with our colleagues. Being recognised for spreading the word about the physical, mental and environmental benefits of cycling to work is a real highlight for Cyclescheme. Cycling isn’t just what we do as a business; it’s who we are, and we adopt this approach for all our reward and incentive products in the Blackhawk Network business.”  

“I’m thrilled to award Cyclescheme the gold accreditation for the Cycle Friendly Employer scheme. It’s absolutely fantastic seeing a company that is enabling so many thousands of people across the UK to commute to work by bike doing the same for its employees.  

“In taking this approach, Cyclescheme really are acting as an example for other businesses and organisations throughout the UK.”  

Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org