Crazy about bikes. Whether they are pedal assisted or traditional, in the new post-coronavirus era, bicycles have become the preferred means of transport for millions and millions of people. The advantages, on the other hand, are many. Moving on two wheels allows you to avoid city traffic - often infernal -, allows you to spend time outdoors, but above all allows you to respect the social distancing rules in force all over the world, reducing the risk of contagion from Covid-19. XNUMX.
However, the idyllic panorama just described is spoiled by a problem: in every part of the globe this love for bikes has exploded in a disruptive, sudden, but above all totally unpredictable way until a few months ago. THEThe boom in requests has reached such high levels that there are no more bikes in the world.
To tell it is the Financial Times in an article titled “Worldwide bike shortage is holding back the cycling revolution”. The situation risks becoming a real paradox: in a period in which all sectors of the world's industry are struggling to recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus and the consequent lockdowns, the bike market is healthier than ever. Everyone wants them and everyone is looking for them, but the shops are empty. If, by chance, a retailer manages to grab a lot of two wheels, the only certainty is that it will be sold out in just a few minutes. Consumers are forced to wait months before being able to buy their two-wheeler and retailers around the world are struggling to meet requests due to lack of supplies. The global supply chains of vehicles and components have in fact been damaged by the crisis, while the safety regulations imposed by the various governments continue to slow down production. Fewer workers, less supply and therefore less earnings.
In fact, the Financial Times points out that bicycle manufacturers, both in Western countries and in the major Asian exporters, China and Taiwan, are unable to meet the demands.
The data also confirms this. In Italy, bicycle sales increased by 60% in May according to the percentages provided by Confindustria Ancma (National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories). In numbers we are talking about an estimated increase of around 200 units sold in the month of May alone compared to 2019 for a total of 540 bikes purchased by citizens in the post-lockdown period. Undoubtedly the mobility bonus which provides for a refund of 60% of the purchase price for a maximum of 500 euros. The problem is that both compensation and sales, for the moment, remain totally blocked.
Even more striking numbers are recorded in France, where bike sales in May increased by 350%. The financial newspaper asked for information from Decathlon, the French multinational of sports clothing and equipment which reports sold out on the cheapest models and speaks of tens of thousands of people waiting for a bicycle. In London, says the Financial Times,"the bike lanes are teeming with cyclists” and the queues of customers “outside bike shops have now become a regular sight”.
The Turin Bicycle chain of Chicago and Denver reports that they have sold all models for less than $1.000. The used bicycle market is also growing which, among other things, has in turn led to a strong demand for specialized mechanics on two wheels, who are so overworked that they are unable to satisfy all customers.
In short, if we don't already have a bike in the garage, for the next few months we can forget about taking a relaxing ride around the city.
