In 2021, more than 2.7 million bicycles were purchased compared to 1.65 million new cars. A dynamic driven by repeated strikes during the yellow vests, then accelerated by the health crisis. Enough to arouse the enthusiasm of new supporters of the little queen on social networks, under the hashtags #vélotaf and #sautebouchon.
Traveling by bike has many advantages: you save money, you reduce your ecological footprint, you exercise every day… and you repel motorists!
During the year 2021, noethic tells us that the bicycle market has increased in value by 43%. Not enough to make France the new cycling capital of Europe, we are largely overtaken by our German neighbours. But the symbol is telling: last year the French bought more bicycles than new cars.
During the health crisis, supply chain tensions are said to have favored the national market: enough to develop the French bicycle sector (including spare parts, such as helmets, padlocks, tires, etc.). always according to noethicUnion Sport & Cycle plans to produce around 980,000 bicycles in France, more than 50% of which will be electrically assisted by the end of the year.
The demand is there, but the policy still needs to be adjusted to maintain this course: the construction of bicycle paths is an essential factor in this. Another important element is the fight against theft and damage to bicycles.