Cycling miles in London increased by 32% as commuters turned to bikes during the Tube strike, according to employee benefits provider YuLife.

The figures showed that cycling miles tracked across London increased by a third, from 3,878 to 5,120 miles, the YuLife team promoted in a LinkedIn post on 10 September.

Last week’s tube strike lasted seven days, causing travel disruption for commuters in London. The strike was a result of action by the train drivers’ union RMT, after “management refused to engage with union demands on pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns and a reduction in the working week, as well as failing to honour previous agreements made with staff”, according to the RMT.

Cycling to work isn’t just a commute; it’s a lifestyle upgrade, said Darren Walker, head of Ride to Work Scheme at British cycle retailer Evans Cycles, speaking to HR magazine.

Read more: TfL strikes: How employers can support workers during travel disruption

“The surge in bike mileage after the tube strike proves one thing: when the barriers drop, the benefits kick in – from healthier bodies and clearer minds to saving money and skipping delays.”

Walker suggested that cycling to work shouldn’t be positioned as a cost-saving perk but rather as a culture shift: “That means leading by example, with senior staff in the saddle when schemes launch, as well as normalising everyday cycling by showcasing real rider stories across the team.”

Adam Hilton, director of operations for health and wellbeing service provider HCML, told HR magazine: “For those that can, cycling to work is a great way to increase daily activity levels for better overall health.” 

He added: “Companies can help encourage this by introducing cycle to work schemes. HR can help increase uptake of these, and other health initiatives, by adding sign-up details to onboarding packs, the intranet, and staff newsletters.”

Richard Thompson, commercial director at employee benefits platform Perkbox, told HR magazine: “One of the primary keys to success is promoting the savings and health benefits through diverse channels that reach the entire workforce.

“Effective options include the intranet, targeted email communications, and digital signage in high-traffic areas such as break rooms or canteens, and in-person workshops.”

Read more: Barriers prevent employees accessing health benefits, research reveals

Thompson suggested that linking healthier commutes with company reward and recognition schemes is “very helpful”.

Clear and regular communication about the savings employees can unlock through a cycle to work scheme is the biggest driver of adoption, followed by added provisions such as secure bike parking and shower facilities, Walker added.

Hilton echoed Walker’s suggestions and said that other helpful ideas for HR to encourage employees to take healthier commutes include incentives such as rewards for those who take a more active route with wellness points or perks. 

Walker concluded: “This isn’t about shaming car use, far from it. It’s about making the alternative irresistibly easy. Celebrate the joy of cycling, because once people feel the freedom of two wheels, they rarely go back.”