It’s fun, freeing, socially distant and good for you – no wonder bicycle usage has soared across the US
Published on Wed 13 May 2020 10.30 BST
Such is the demand for bicycles that Denver bike shop co-owner Phillip Brown and his colleagues can’t build them quick enough.
“I’ve been in this industry 15 years and nothing even close,” says Brown, 36. “This is, I would say, twice the demand increase that we’ve ever seen.”
Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, a cycling boom has been under way across the US.
The National Association of City Transport Officials (NACTO) says they are seeing an “explosion in cycling” in many American cities. Eco-Counter, which collects bike data, reports that bicycle counts have “significantly increased” across most of North America compared to usual. In the two weeks to 4 May, it found the US region with the most growth was the south-west, which was up by over 100%.
In Philadelphia, ridership on trails nearly doubled in March year-on-year, according to Bicycle Coalition. In Arlington, Virginia, trails have been up to 50% busier, says BikeArlington.
The busiest times are at weekends, suggesting the rise is mainly down to recreational use. But it’s not just Lycra-clad weekend warriors clocking up the miles. Experts say the lockdown is drawing new people into cycling – especially families trying to keep restless children entertained.
Cycling ‘explosion’: coronavirus fuels surge in US bike ridership | The Guardian
It’s fun, freeing, socially distant and good for you – no wonder bicycle usage has soared across the US Miranda Bryant Published on Wed 13 May 2020 10.30 BST Such is the demand for bicycles that Denver bike shop co-owner Phillip Brown and his colleagues can’t build them quick enough. “I’ve been in this industry […]