From March to May 2020, the whole world went into lockdown to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. Little by little, to compter of May, European countries have deconfined themselves, while maintaining health measures in order to protect the population as well as possible. We then witnessed a veritable explosion in bicycle sales, to such an extent that the shelves of the big brands were – and still are – empty. How to explain this new craze for bicycles and e-bikes ?
Each year, there is always an increase in bicycle sales during the spring, because with the arrival of fine weather, the bicycle appears as a means of transport that is both pleasant and economical.
But, with the health crisis, sales increased by an exceptional 134% from the first week of deconfinement in France, compwere in sales at the same time last year.
Of course it is sanitary. Even if public transport has resumed a regular rhythm, the European population clearly prefers to avoid crowded buses, trams and metros, which present a real risk of transmission of the virus. So, for those who don't have a car or wish to avoid traffic jams in urban areas, the bicycle proves to be the perfect solution, especially since you can now buy electric bikes which considerably reduce the efforts and not to arrive in sweat at work.
Both large retailers and small specialty stores are out of stock, and almost all their shelves are empty. The suppliers themselves no longer have any advance, each series produced being immediately sent to the resellers in order to meet this exceptional demand. Because not only is this demand greater than the normal production capacity of factories but, in addition, must be taken into compyou a strong slowdown, even a compthe cessation of producer activity during confinement. The factories therefore had to restart as quickly as possible, sometimes hiring temporary workers to ensure this historic production rate.
But everything is not based on the pace of manufacturing plants: these are indeed limited by the supply of spare parts, which come mostly from Asia, and which must supply global demand.
Because this enthusiasm for cycling is not only European: it can be seen all over the world.
In order to ensure the safety of all these new cyclists and to encourage residents to prefer cycling to public transport, several municipalities have decided to take measures and redevelop certain spaces for cyclists.
They have thus set up temporary cycle paths, which could well – we hope – prove to be permanent once the crisis is overcome.
This phenomenon is global: in Bogotá, the mayor has decided to build 76 kilometers of cycle paths on certain roads, while in New York, a whole section of Second Avenue has been transformed into a cycle path. And they are not the only ones! Paris, Berlin, Philadelphia, Seville, Mexico City… Major cities in many countries are playing the game, encouraging citizens to use this ecological, economical and healthy mode of transport.
Do you also want to switch to using the bike, but you don't know which model to turn to and, above all, whether you should lean towards the new or second-hand market?
The bike model will depend on how you use it (daily, uphill, in urban areas, etc.) and your body type (you will find models that are more or less suited to your size, for example).
On the second-hand market, you can absolutely find a bike that suits you perfectly, in very good condition and at a reduced price. A second-hand bike has the advantage of being part of an ecological approach, in addition to allowing you to save money. You will also be able to find bicycles still under warranty, since they can be transmitted during resale.
The important thing is to always take the time to learn and check the condition of the bike before buying it.
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