Pandemic Bicycle Boom: US Bike Sales Doubled During the Pandemic, But is it Sustainable?

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 does not only mark the beginning of new adjustments in the new normal. This turning point in the lives of billions of people around the world has sparked the era of bicycles.

In the United States alone, the sales of the bikes reportedly doubled compared to the year prior. Almost three years after several lockdowns, the trend continues to flourish, especially in bicycle-friendly communities and cities.

How Pandemic Bike Boom Started

Two years ago, people encountered one of the worst pandemics in the latest century. When the COVID-19 outbreak began to affect several Chinese cities, the governments from other countries prepared for what was coming next.

Several health protocols have been implemented just to keep people safe from being infected by the virus. With these new policies, people started to adapt to the new normal changes.

One of the most notable things that you will notice during that time is the surge of cyclists all over the country. Per Wired's report, the NPD Group found out that the total bike sales in the US in 2020 had reached $5.4 billion.

This only means that people are getting used to bicycles more than any other mode of transportation. The fare hikes drastically increased at that time, and to save more money, many chose to stick to a healthier alternative to a car.

Urban Infrastructure and Cycling

Some governments reportedly improved their urban setting during the pandemic period by paving the way for more bike lanes.

"During the pandemic, many things were possible, policy-wise, that before we didn't think possible, especially at that pace," Virginia Tech professor of urban affairs and planning Ralph Buehler said.

After almost three years, the bike boom is still going strong, along with the blooming urban infrastructure. Somehow, people prefer to go to work, school, or the mall via bicycles because it's safer and more economical compared to the usual cars and motorbikes.

Again, another study from NPD Group suggests that bike sales in 2022 have dropped slightly compared to a year ago. The same research also said it's still better than the record in 2019.

The decrease in the number of bikers might be attributed to the returning habits of the people on the streets, the nonprofit group PeopleForBikes said.

According to Patrick Hogan, the research manager of the organization, the data says that some people are coming back to their pre-pandemic habits amid the easing lockdowns. This might indicate that people still don't find cycling an easy alternative to motor-operated vehicles.

Another survey from Arizona State University suggests that there's still no clear evidence that people prefer biking more than anything else during the pandemic. Despite the government's intent to promote cycling, it is really not everyone's cup of tea.

Is E-Bike an Alternative to Bicycles?

For people who don't want to exert energy in peddling a bike, an e-bike could be a perfect alternative to use. Although it's more costly than the usual bikes, it's more capable of carrying heavy loads.

Lyft, a known e-bike manufacturer in the US, said that there's a 25% improvement in the number of e-bike users this year compared to 2021.

Traditional bikes have the upper hand when it comes to health benefits, but e-bikes sport more convenience for commuters.

With the surge of e-bike riders this year, a Dutch firm VeiligheidNL noted that e-bike injuries are increasing, as well. Despite safety precautions, the cases continue to escalate.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Joseph Henry