The financial benefits of cycling: How pedalling more can save you money

Cycling isn’t just a healthy and eco-friendly way to commute or exercise; it can also significantly impact your financial well-being. By incorporating cycling into your lifestyle, you not only contribute to your fitness but also cut down on various expenses, ultimately saving money in the long run.

We understand that not every journey can be replaced by a bike, some people commute for hours to get to work by car. However if you replace short trips, like to the shops for example, with a bike ride this still reduces the use of your car which then reduces the costs associated with that. Then over the course of a year of doing this the savings that you will have made from these short bike trips will only have grown and grown.

Below, we'll look at the savings you can make by switching from your car to your bike for short journeys

How a bike can save you money

Fuel saving

One of the most obvious ways cycling saves money is by reducing fuel costs.

In December last year (2023) it cost £79.36 to fill up a Ford Focus (55-litre fuel tank) with petrol and £83.50 to fill up with diesel. (Latest petrol and diesel prices | heycar)

Choosing a bike over a car for short trips or commuting can result in substantial savings on fuel expenses. A bike doesn’t require fuel, and with the ever-rising costs of petrol and diesel, this can make a notable difference in your monthly budget.

Vehicle maintenance

Regular use of a car leads to increased wear and tear, this then requires more frequent maintenance and repairs. By cycling more often, you can reduce the mileage on your car, which in turn lowers maintenance costs such as oil changes, tire replacement and general repairs. 

Over time this can amount to a considerable cost, especially when you realise the average service costs £151 and the average tyre replacement is £100!

It’s also worth remembering that the servicing cost for a bike is also much cheaper than a car. So if you do end up using your bike more often, and require regular services, you’re still saving money with the average bike service costing £35 to £60 depending on the level you select. However a lot of maintenance and repairs on bikes can be done by cyclists themselves. We have lots of helpful videos, advice and courses to help you improve your bike mechanic skills.

Parking and toll fees

Cycling more often also eliminates the need to pay for parking or toll fees. Regardless of the activity you’re heading out to do, whether you’re commuting to work, completing errands or heading to leisure activities, choosing a bike to get there means avoiding parking charges all together. 

This will lead to substantial savings over time, especially in urban areas where parking can be very expensive. 

Gym membership and fitness expenses

As everyone knows, cycling is an excellent form of exercise, potentially eliminating the need for a gym membership or other fitness related expenses. Instead of paying for workout classes or gym access, cycling can become your primary fitness routine, saving you a significant amount annually.

Cycling UK can help you save even more

Incorporating cycling into your daily routine, even slightly, not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also provides substantial financial benefits. From reducing fuel and maintenance costs to promoting health and avoiding various fees, the financial impact of cycling can be significant. So pedal your way to both fitness and financial savings.

If you're interested in saving yourself more money, why not consider a Cycling UK membership? By being a member you'll get access to a number of discounts on selected outdoors and cycling retailers, as well as many more benefits. Take advantage of our special offer of a full 12-month membership for the price of just 9 months.

If you want to delve deeper into just how much money you can save by cycling, we've done the maths so you don't have to!