7 August 2025

Celebrating Cycle to Work Day: pedalling towards a healthier and greener future at The Forward Trust

By Adejoke Idowu – Environmental and Sustainability Manager

Every year, Cycle to Work Day gives us a powerful reason to reflect on the simple yet transformative act of cycling. Cycling is not just a means of transportation, but also a movement for positive change.

At The Forward Trust, we are proud to support initiatives that promote well-being, environmental responsibility and social recovery. Cycling embodies all these and more!

Why cycling matters to us and the planet

Choosing to cycle, even just once a week, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ease traffic congestion and improve local air quality – all of which contribute to a cleaner environment. As part of our ongoing carbon reduction and sustainability goals, encouraging more staff to cycle to work supports our commitment to being a greener organisation.

However, beyond the environmental benefits, cycling has profound effects on our physical and mental health especially important in the context of recovery. For individuals in recovery from drug & alcohol dependency, routine movement are key elements of building a new and healthy lifestyle. Based on research, cycling offers three main benefits:

Physical health improvement – Gentle cardiovascular exercise helps boost energy levels and improve sleep (which are often disrupted in early recovery).
Mental clarity and mood stability – The rhythmic movement of cycling, fresh air and natural light release endorphins and reduce stress. It is a natural antidepressant and anxiety reliever.
A sense of progress – The simple act of pedalling forward mirrors the emotional journey of recovery: one step at a time, building resilience and confidence.

Our Cycle Scheme: more than just a benefit

The Forward Trust’s Cycle to Work Scheme is not just a financial perk; it is a statement. It says we believe in investing in our health, happiness and the planet.

The scheme allows staff to access tax-free bicycles and equipment, making cycling more accessible for all once you have successfully passed your probation period and as long as you have at least one year left on your employment contract. Whether it’s commuting to work, doing a school run or simply enjoying a weekend ride, we are making it easier to choose two wheels over four.

Kirsty, Facilities Support Officer at The Forward Trust, uses our Cycle To Work scheme, and had this to say about her experience:

“I had not ridden a bike for over 20 years! However, having young children, I wanted to get back on a bike to give them those memories in their childhood – going out for picnics on a bike, etc. It also came in handy for getting to work if my husband had the car.

“Not having the funds to buy a decent bike outright, I looked into the scheme. It took a while to wait for the relevant documents, but the process itself was straightforward. It was good that I could choose a bike that fit me and my size, and I got to choose my own colour!

“A year down the line, my bike now also has a bike shed and is very loved. It is still used regularly and if it hadn’t been for the scheme, I probably would have never had taken the plunge.”

Cyclescheme is an employee benefit that saves you up to 42% on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront, and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer. Learn more about Cyclescheme here.

Let’s ride together

On the 7th of August 2025, we encourage everyone (staff, service users and partners) to take part in Cycle to Work Day. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or trying it out for the first time, every ride counts.

If you’re already part of the scheme and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you! Stories like yours help us inspire others to get involved.

Together, let us continue building healthier lives, stronger communities and a cleaner future – one pedal at a time.