Future Of Cycling Post Covid

Abhishek Mitra Mar 15, 2021

As the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) kept most commuters away from public transport, cycling quickly emerged as a safe and convenient alternative. This bicycle boom is rooted in common sense – it is much easier to follow social distancing when you are riding a bike than in a crowded space such as a bus or a train. A growing body of evidence in cities has pointed out the positive impact of cycling on quality of life and economic competitiveness.

However, with the arrival of the Covid vaccine and the world slowly returning to a new normal, how can we get more individuals to look at their bike as the go-to option for everyday commuting and not just as a backup vehicle?

The pandemic effect

The pandemic brought about an all-new cycling trend worldwide and the bicycle industry saw a huge upsurge in the last six months. The global bicycle market attained a value of USD 54 billion in 2019, and as per a report by Expert Market Research, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2 percent in the forecast period of 2020-2025 to reach a value of USD 68 billion by 2025. The growing inclination towards both personal fitness and personal mobility coupled with restrictions on movement and access to gyms or sports arenas have brought about this acceleration with people taking up cycling as an alternate way of exercising.

The pandemic has shifted mindsets and the adoption of cycling as a lifestyle has accelerated across age-groups. Additionally, including cycling as part of one’s lifestyle has greater benefits to our ecosystem. According to a TERI report, India could save ₹27 billion in fuel and ₹241 billion due to reduced air pollution if 50 percent of two-wheeler and four-wheeler trips (within eight kilometers) are replaced with cycle journeys.

What to expect post-Covid?

Could cycling become the new norm post-COVID-19 pandemic? While the question remains to be answered, this renewed love for cycling cannot just be a passing fad.

In the wake of a new normal, leaders across the world are trying to promote cycling as a clean and healthy mode of transport. Our government is considering promoting cycling following a study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) which states that cycling will increase by 50 to 60 percent in cities across India post lockdown. A communique from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that cycling for short distances can result in an annual benefit of Rs 1.8 trillion to the Indian economy. Furthermore, it also highlighted how investment in cycling infrastructure has economic benefits up to 5.5 times the initial amount pumped in.

Road ahead

As the Covid-19 crises continue to change mind-sets and reshape behavioral change among people, the humble bicycle will become more acceptable for the larger consumer and this will result in a growing demand for cycling safe infrastructure.

With the emergence of new cycling groups worldwide, it is believed that despite it being ushered in by a pandemic the trend of increased cycling is likely to continue. Bicycle lovers across the globe hope the post-pandemic world may cement this trend into a lasting contribution to reducing pollution.