Summary of significant accounting policies - Research and development incentives and receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Research and development incentives and receivable
Maximum percentage of surrenderable losses	14.50%
Reduction of research and development	$ 19.3	$ 10.8	$ 8.4

Maximum percentage of surrenderable trading losses that arise from qualifying research and development expenses incurred by the Company's subsidiaries in the United Kingdom for a tax credit.

No definition available.

Name:	bcyc_MaximumPercentageOfSurrenderableLosses
Namespace Prefix:	bcyc_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration