What are the reasons for this shortage of bicycles?

In December 2019, as part of the pension reform, the RATP began a strike movement that will last no less than 50 days. This considerably complicates the movement of Parisians. Some then begin to turn to other means of transport such as the bicycle, and more particularly, the electrically assisted bicycle (VAE). 

Barely two months later, the first confinement linked to the Covid-19 crisis was announced. Here again, public transport no longer appears to be a reliable travel solution. The French prefer to opt for an “individual” means of transport. In metropolises, the cycling explodes. 

Some figures concerning the increase in cycling

Following these two events, and over the repeated reconfigurations, bicycle professionals are witnessing a real spread of the use of bicycles among the French for their daily trips. AT Paris, the city's bicycle counters show a 120% increase in bicycles between March and September.

According to the Union Sport et Cycle association, there would be a 117% increase in bicycle sales between May-June 2019 and May-June 2020. This increase particularly concerns VAE (electrically assisted bicycles). Indeed, they represent 45% of sales in value of bicycles.

A shortage of bicycles in 2021? 

Of course, this sudden increase is strongly linked to the unexpected situation that is the health crisis. Manufacturers and sellers of bicycles could therefore not have foreseen such a significant increase in demand. In sports stores, the “cycling” shelves are often empty. 

Online, a delivery time of several months is to be taken into account. New York Times journalists explain that the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, Giant, is no longer able to meet the level of demand. However, the president of the group is not convinced that this increase will persist after the health crisis. 

Is the increase in the practice of cycling temporary?

Contrary to what one might think, the increase in demand for bicycles is not so temporary. Indeed, some studies prove that this increase had already started before the coronavirus health crisis. It therefore responds to a growing and lasting need of the French, in mainland France but also in the countryside.

This phenomenon is partly explained by the democratization of the electrically assisted bicycle. Indeed, it allows you to make many daily trips, without getting tired or wasting time. According to the Confederation of the European Bicyle Industry, the sale of VAE should reach 11 million in 2025 at European level (compared to 3,6 million in 2019).

What does this phenomenon imply?

The growing interest of the French for cycling must be taken into account by private and public players. Within the public service, it is essential to do what is necessary to supervise and secure the practice of cycling. This involves the development of public space, in particular with cycle paths and furniture for bike parking. 

In private establishments (schools, hospitals, restaurants, residences, etc.), it is also important to provide car park bicycles. This will bring the security and the practicality necessary for cyclists. In addition, this furniture will make it possible to organize and facilitate parking in order to avoid congestion on the roads. 

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