The little queen has never known such a beautiful year.
In 2020, the turnover of the bicycle sector exceeded 3 billion euros, with a market growth of 25%.
These are the figures for a record year unveiled on Thursday, April 8, by the Union Sport et cycle federation.
In total, 2.7 million units were sold last year, i.e. + 1.7% compared to 2019.
To read also: "It brought me a lot of customers": the repairers draw a very positive assessment of the "bicycle boost"
While many economic sectors have drunk the cup due to the health crisis in 2020, cycling has come through this year with insolent ease.
It must be said that it has several assets to help the French in these times of pandemic.
A means of transport but also of leisure, it makes it possible to dodge the subways and other public transport for those who are more cautious when faced with the risk of contamination.
The electric-assisted bicycle, the big winner
Many communities have also encouraged the development of this mode of mobility, by installing cycle paths, permanent or temporary, to make urban traffic more fluid and secure.
The government, for its part, extended the “bicycle boost”, financial assistance aimed at repairing its cycle, until March 31.
This aid helped repair over 1.9 million bicycles.
Also read: Manufacturers of DIY tools or bicycles soon to be forced to supply spare parts for at least five years
This phase of growth in the sector has also accelerated a fundamental trend, that of more high-end, electrically-assisted bicycles - less physically demanding on a daily basis.
In 2020, 514,672 electric bikes were sold.
They thus represent 29% of the market and 58% in value.
Prices expected to rise in 2021
This enthusiasm for cycling, which is shared beyond French borders, has put manufacturers under pressure.
Last year, some products found themselves in a state of "temporary shortage" due to this demand.
This "
shortage
" on certain products should still take several months before being absorbed.
"
It takes an average of 9 months to manufacture a bicycle entirely, but it suffices that one part is missing and everything is delayed
", explained in February, to Le Figaro, Olivier Moucheboeuf, the head of the cycle commission of the Union sport and cycle .
Read also: Cycling tourism, a growing market for professionals
The Union Sport et cycle federation thus estimates that without the problems of delivery of spare parts (from Asia) and without the seven-week closure that the shops experienced during the first confinement, the sector could have achieved a turnover. even more important in 2020. According to a study carried out by the firm Xerfi at the end of December 2020, bicycle sales should increase by 9% per year between 2020 and 2023 in France.
