Legal professionals spend much of their working day sitting at desks, reviewing documents, preparing cases, attending client meetings, and managing deadlines. While technology has transformed how legal services are delivered, one challenge remains unchanged: helping employees stay healthy, motivated, and engaged.

This is why more legal sector employers are exploring employee benefits that support wellbeing, financial resilience, and sustainability at the same time. A cycle to work scheme for legal sector businesses offers exactly that. By giving employees an affordable way to obtain a commuter bike, e-bike, and cycling accessories through salary sacrifice, employers can help their teams save money, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and support greener commuting habits.

Whether you manage law firms, barristers' chambers, legal consultancies, in-house legal teams, or any other legal sector organisation, the benefits extend far beyond cycling itself. A well-run cycle to work scheme can support recruitment goals, strengthen employee retention, contribute to ESG commitments, and create a healthier workplace culture.

What is a cycle to work scheme for legal sector employers?

Cyclescheme’s salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme is a government-backed employee benefit that allows employees (including staff at law firms and legal practices) to buy commuter bikes and cycling accessories through their employer.

Under the scheme, employees spread the cost through salary sacrifice payments. And, because payments are taken before Income Tax and National Insurance deductions, employees can save up to 47% on the overall cost of their cycling package.

Ultimately, the scheme is designed to support commuting journeys to and from work, helping employees choose a healthier and more sustainable way to travel.

Why employee wellbeing matters in the legal sector, and how a cycle to work scheme can help

The legal profession is rewarding but it can also be demanding, with long hours, tight deadlines, complex casework, and client expectations placing considerable pressure on employees. Many legal professionals spend large portions of the day sitting at a desk or travelling between offices, courts, and client meetings.

In 2025, LawCare (a legal sector mental health support service) reported a 13% increase in professionals reaching out for support in their live chat, alongside providing support for more people than any other year. Facts like this demonstrate why there is an increasing focus on employee benefits for law firms that revolve around employee wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

A cycle commute can provide a valuable opportunity to build physical activity into the working day whilst prioritising mental health. It creates space between work and home life and can help employees arrive at work feeling more energised and focused. For legal employers, supporting active commuting can form part of a wider wellbeing strategy that helps employees feel happier and healthier, as well as more engaged in the workplace.

Cycle to work scheme for legal sector businesses: how it helps employers

Attract and retain legal talent

Competition for legal talent remains strong across many areas of the profession. Candidates are looking beyond salary when evaluating potential employers and employment packages, and that includes wellbeing support and meaningful employee benefits.

A cycle to work scheme makes your organisation more attractive to both present and future employees. It demonstrates that you invest in your peoples’ wellbeing with practical financial benefits they can use every day, strengthening your benefits package for legal professionals.

Support employee productivity

Employees who actively commute by cycling often report a range of positive work-related benefits such as improved concentration, more energy, and lower stress levels.

For legal professionals managing demanding workloads, arriving at work feeling refreshed can have a beneficial impact on performance and productivity throughout the day.

A cost-positive benefit with employer savings

Cyclescheme might help employees save money on a bike and cycling equipment, but the financial benefits don’t stop there.

Not only is the scheme free to join with no setup fees or hidden costs, but it’s a tax-efficient employee benefit. Employers recover the cost of the bike and accessories through salary sacrifice payments, and they can also save up to 13.8% in National Insurance Contributions, making for this a cost-positive benefit for those who provide it.

Support ESG goals for law firms

Environmental, social, and governance priorities are becoming more and more important within the legal sector. Many corporate clients now expect suppliers and professional service firms to demonstrate genuine environmental commitments.

Encouraging cycling as a commuting option helps to reduce transport-related emissions while supporting sustainable business practices in law firms. Since some firms publish ESG reports, active travel initiatives and sustainable commuting for legal professionals can contribute towards measurable environmental outcomes.

Why legal employers choose Cyclescheme

Trusted by over 50,000 employers

Trust matters when introducing a new employee benefit. Cyclescheme has helped more than 1.2 million people access bikes and cycling equipment through the Cycle to Work scheme and is trusted by more than 50,000 UK employers.

That experience gives employers confidence that they are partnering with a provider that understands both compliance requirements and employee expectations.

Unrivalled retailer choice

Employees can choose from more than 2,600 retailers across the UK.

That includes:

• Independent bike shops
• National cycling retailers
• Online retailers
• Direct-to-brand options

This flexibility helps employees find the bike and equipment that best suits their commuting needs.

E-bike access for longer commutes

E-bikes continue to grow in popularity, with the e-bike market showing a 13.4% annual growth rate in Europe. One of the reasons e-bikes are so popular is that they make cycling more accessible, especially to those who live and work in more sedentary, office-oriented roles. That includes legal professionals who might struggle to find time for physical exercise.

Through Cyclescheme, e-bikes are available and widely popular for employees, which is just another reason this cycle to work scheme is so highly implemented.

Building a cycling-friendly culture in a legal business

A cycle to work scheme works best when it forms part of a wider approach to employee wellbeing. Simple initiatives can help encourage participation, including:

• Secure bike parking
• Shower and changing facilities
• Flexible start times
• Workplace cycling awareness campaigns
• Employee cycling communities

Many legal employers already invest heavily in wellbeing programmes. Supporting active commuting can complement those efforts and provide employees with another practical way to improve their daily routine.

The business case for a cycle to work scheme for legal sector organisations

A cycle to work scheme supports multiple business objectives through a single employee benefit. It can help legal employers:

• Improve employee wellbeing
• Strengthen recruitment efforts
• Support retention
• Deliver financial savings
• Advance ESG goals
• Enhance employee engagement
• Promote sustainable commuting

For a sector where people remain the most valuable asset, investing in employee wellbeing and financial support can create meaningful long-term value.