Post-Lockdown The Bicycle Industry To Witness Upswing In Demand

In technical guidance on mobility during COVID-19 times, the World Health Organization (WHO) had recommended bicycles or walking. It had emphasized that cycling and walking are useful for both social distancing and meeting the minimum requirement for daily physical activity. 

Experts and industry players anticipate that bicycles would play a pivotal role in commuters till the time the lockdown is lifted completely. With the ongoing restriction of public transportation during the lockdown, bicycles are the best available option. Bicycle use is being encouraged as a way to avoid unsafe crowding on trains and buses.

Despite the slowdown in the economy owing to the pandemic, the sector is optimistic and anticipating growth in the sale of cycles. The organized bicycle market seems to remain unaffected and did not have any major impact on the manufacturing and sale. This episode will be a new juncture towards a cycling culture and we should encourage and give more power to the pedal. Cycling can contribute to preventing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore apart from reducing congestion and person-to-person contact, cycling can also help build healthy bodies especially when people do not have access to the gym at the moment.

Also, factory workers and laborers cannot afford Scooters and their recurring expenses. Cycles, therefore, are the only reliable and affordable mode of commuting for workers post lockdown where conditionally industries are being operated.  Besides, the use of a bicycle allows citizens to meet the requirements for minimizing contact.

Commenting on the use of bicycles Rahul Gupta, Business Head, Stryder Cycles said, “A lot of people will be afraid of going on public transportation (although there is restricted movement), but we have to get back to work someday. Hence, the transition to more bicycle-friendly urban environments is necessary if we want our cities to work. This is a practical solution as social distancing is possible only with single mode of transportation, which is, cycle and scooter. 

Also, coronavirus is showing us that clean air is an indispensable asset, it is now more than ever essential. Increase in use of cycles will help improve air quality, enables exercise in fresh air while keeping a safe distance and avoids needless accidents.”