As the Cycle to Work Scheme marks its quarter century this year, Chris Last, chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance since 2023, is passing on the leadership baton.
Steve Edgell, of cycle scheme provider Cycle Solutions, will take over from Last, who is the cirector at to continue the work of the Alliance with its members, industry partners and government advocates.
The body’s ongoing aim is to expand access to cycling and enable more people to benefit from the health, environmental and economic advantages of commuting by bike.
Edgell (pictured) will be responsible for promoting cycle and benefits industry priorities to support growth in active travel.
The body will continue to work with government, the Cycling and Walking All Party Parliamentary Group, and industry groups and bodies.
During his tenure as chair, Last presided over the development and launch of the Alliance’s manifesto for Cycle Commuting, which outlined strategic proposals to support access for the 80 percent of UK workers that could still benefit from the scheme (source: YouGov poll on behalf of the Alliance).
The Cycle to Work Scheme has enabled more than 2 million employees to access a bike to date.
Members of the alliance include Halfords, Evans, Perkbox Vivup, Cycle Scheme and Cycle Solutions.
Edgell said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of chair following such a monumental year for the scheme and Alliance. Over the past 25 years, the scheme has empowered millions of people to experience the life-changing benefits of cycling.
“My focus will be to build on this success – working closely with our partners, government, and the wider cycling community to break down barriers to access, improve safety, and champion cycling as a sustainable, healthy, and cost-effective way to commute.
Reflecting his time as chair, Last said: “It has been a privilege to have served as chair since 2023. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made for the industry and I’m confident that under Steve’s leadership, the Alliance will continue to break new ground, make cycling accessible to even more people and drive the active travel agenda forward.”
In 2025, the Alliance said it will focus on:
- The economic contribution of the scheme and its role as a driver of growth in the UK.
- The role of both the scheme and active travel in transport decarbonisation, making commutes more environmentally friendly.
- Ensuring the physical and mental health benefits of active travel are recognised.
- Support for expanding the scheme and ensuring more people can participate – building on the Alliance’s efforts to open the scheme to e-bikes and specially adapted bikes.
