The sector bike is booming in France. More and more French men and women travel daily with their bicycles to go to work, school, the market, etc. If 2020 was considered an extraordinary year, 2021, too, has seen unexpected growth.
In fact, the bike craze has mostly been fueled by the pandemic, transport strikes and rising fuel prices. Explanations.
2020, an extraordinary year
For several months, the figures attest to the significant growth of the bicycle. During the first phase of containment, especially between January and August 2020, many bicycle distributors saw their sales increase significantly.
Taking Cyclables for example, this company, which has 55 stores in France, saw its turnover increase by 40% during this period, compared to 2019. And from the month of May until the end of confinement, this growth reached 67%.
It has been proven that the increase exceeded the 101% mark in Ile-de-France and Lyon. And at Decathlon, it's no longer about numbers. Customers jostle on the shelves and salespeople become strangely aggressive with visitors.
The figures for 2021
In 2021, the enthusiasm for cycling continues in France. The Union Sport & Cycle organization has announced that nearly 2,8 million bicycles have been sold in the country. More specifically, growth in volume is estimated at 4% and growth in value at 15%. This has increased the turnover of the sector by 43%.
Among the models most popular with the French, there are the VAE and cargo bikes. Around 660 pedelecs were sold last year, an increase of +000%, and around 28 cargo bikes, or 17% more.
The forecast for 2022
In 2022, it is sure and certain that the same pace will be maintained. The French continue to be interested in cycling. In addition, there is a great awareness in terms of preserving the environment and human health. Therefore, it is highly likely that the million sales mark will be reached towards the end of the year.
Moreover, this is the prediction of the organization Union Sport & Cycle. And given the constant improvement of infrastructure, inflation and repair station for bicycles, bicycle shelter, … in many cities across the country, it will be easier to achieve this goal. The only things to see ready are the intermunicipal links, the number of parking spaces for bicycles and the organization of the territory. If these are controlled, there will be more cyclists in France.