Bike sales decreased by 24%. Has the cycling revolution died?

The bicycle has long been intended as the highest environmentally friendly and medical way.

However, despite the growth of emphasis on sustainability and urban mobility, bicycle production in the European Union has noticed a significant fall.

In 2023, EU member states produced 9.7 million bicycles – a sharp decline by 24% compared to 12.7 million in 2022.

What causes this amazing downturn and signals the end of the cycling revolution?

The numbers behind the decline

According to Eurostat data, bicycle production decreased in 14 of 17 EU countries, which reported the figures for 2023. In particular, some of the largest manufacturers felt the coolest declines:

• Romania: Falling 1 million units that fell to 1.5 million.
• Italy: Reduced 0.7 million bikes, leaving 1.2 million production.
• Portugal: Reduction of almost 0.4 million, though it still led to the EU with 1.8 million units.
• Floor: Produced 0.8 million bikes, but also decreased.

This reduction tendency occurs at a time when many European cities actively promote bicycle as a means of reducing urban congestion and carbon emissions. So, why is the production fired?

Possible causes of decreased

Bicycle production decrease can be attributed to various economic, social and market factors:

1. Economic uncertainty The protracted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation growth and wider economic instability have led to a decrease in consumer costs. People can prioritize in goods from discreient purchases such as bicycles.
2. Disabilities of the supply chain Problems with global supply chains, including lack of raw materials and components such as aluminum and electronic bike details are likely to interfere with production capabilities.
3. Switch to electronic quantities While traditional bicycle production decreases, demand for electronic bikes continues to grow. Electronic bikes are usually more expensive and complex for production, requiring specialized parts that may be inaccessible, which contributes to the total less production.
4. The market growth in the elderly In recent years, a flowering bike market has emerged. Many people choose to repair or buy used bikes rather than buy new ones, reducing the demand for new models.
5. Environmental rules EU’s tougher environmental rules for production processes can affect the speed and economic efficiency of production, especially in countries with old production facilities.

Has the cycling revolution ended?

The decrease in production may seem a step back for the movement of cycling, but it is important to view this trend in a broader context.

City bicycle continues to flourish in many European cities, with increasing investment in infrastructure and growth in the popularity of bicycle exchange services.

The drop in production can be a market adjustment rather than the collapse of the cycling revolution.

Some experts claim that switching consumer habits, such as the preference for joint mobility or electronic bicycles, reflects the evolution of cycling culture, not its death.

While traditional bicycle production may decrease, innovations such as electronic cycling and cycling urban planning help move to adapt to modern needs.

What can change the trend?

In order for the EU to return itself as a leader in bicycle production, several strategies can help:

1. Increase the production of an electronic bike Manufacturers must turn to the production of an electronic bike to meet the growth of demand. Governments can support this by offering subsidies and incentives for purchases and electronic bikes.
2. Investing in green production Updating production facilities to meet environmental standards with improving efficiency can help reduce production costs and increase production.
3. Stimulating local demand National governments and local authorities could have started companies to stimulate bicycle possession, including tax benefits or subsidies for traditional bicycles.
4. The resistance of the supply chain Democification of supply chains and investments to local components can reduce import addiction and prevent subsequent disruptions.

A reliable look at urban cyclists

Although the decline in production applies to, this is not the end of the cycling revolution.

The city bicycle remains a cornerstone of sustainable transport, and the problems facing the industry have opportunities for innovation.

Investments in electronic bicycles, the best infrastructure and green production can lay the way for a stronger and more elastic bicycle industry in the EU.

The cycling movement is far from over. This develops. With the constant support of governments, leaders of the industry and bicycle supporters, the future of urban mobility remains bright.

After all, as the cities become more dense, and the fight against climate change is intensified, the bikes will remain a vital part of the decision.

Sources and further reading