Bicycle sales up-ticked during lockdown blues

New Delhi : Where most businesses went down following covid situation, bikes fared better.

The industry marked an uptick in sales, after people began pedaling to keep fit during covid lockdown.

Cycling helped people to be less indoorsy, as it is an aerobic activity with many health benefits. Bicycle traders are happy over the increasing demand, according to IANS.

Perhaps what ails them is striking a balance between demand and supply.

Sunil Kumar of Chandni Chowk's bicycle market told IANS: "The demand is good but we do not have the supplies to fulfil it since the stock of bicycle that comes from Ludhiana is not arriving."

However, the shopkeepers feel a slight decline in bicycle sales after the 'unlock' since gyms have re-opened.

Rajiv Batra, president of the Rajdhani Cycle Dealers Association, told IANS, "Our business did not suffer such a loss although people in other trades suffered a lot. There was some fear at the start of the lockdown."

There are around 200 bicycle and toy shops in Delhi's Chandni Chowk. Besides, there is also a very old cycle market in Jhandewalan.

Vipin Nijhavan, general secretary of the Jhandewalan Cycle and Toy Association said: "Business is good in the toy and bicycle market. However, after the re-opening of metro and gym, not many bicycles are being bought at the moment. There has been no loss. Now, the demand is very high but the supply is less or slow. "

This report from IANS has been edited