Ray Kelly R.I.P. Honoured by British Cycling

Cycling has long been hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation. https://discerningcyclist.com/author/admin/ Cycling has long been hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation. Yet, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability and urban mobility, bicycle production in the European Union has seen a significant drop. In 2023, EU member states produced 9.7 million bicycles—a sharp 24% decrease from the 12.7 million produced in 2022. What’s causing this surprising downturn, and does it signal the end of the cycling revolution? The Numbers Behind the Decline According to Eurostat’s latest data, bicycle production declined in 14 of the 17 EU countries that reported figures for 2023. Notably, some of the largest producers experienced the steepest declines: Romania : A drop of 1 million units, bringing total production down to 1.5 million. Italy : A reduction of 0.7 million bicycles, leaving production at 1.2 million. Portugal : A decrease of nearly 0.4 million, though it still led the EU with 1.8 million units produced. Poland : Produced 0.8 million bicycles, but it also saw a decline. This downward trend comes at a time when many European cities are actively promoting cycling as a means to reduce urban congestion and carbon emissions. So, why is production faltering? Possible Causes of the Decline The decline in bicycle production can be attributed to a variety of economic, social, and market-driven factors: Economic Uncertainty The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and broader economic instability have led to reduced consumer spending. People may be prioritizing essential goods over discretionary purchases like bicycles. Supply Chain Disruptions Global supply chain issues, including shortages of raw materials and components like aluminum and electronic parts for e-bikes, have likely hampered production capabilities. Shift to E-Bikes While traditional bicycle production is declining, the demand for e-bikes continues to grow. E-bikes are typically more expensive and complex to manufacture, requiring specialized parts that may not be readily available, contributing to overall lower production numbers. Second-Hand Market Growth A thriving second-hand market for bicycles has emerged in recent years. Many people are opting to refurbish or buy used bikes rather than purchase new ones, reducing demand for new models. Environmental Regulations Stricter EU environmental regulations for manufacturing processes could be impacting the speed and cost-efficiency of production, especially in countries with older production facilities. Is the Cycling Revolution Over? The decline in production might seem like a step backward for the cycling movement, but it’s essential to view this trend in a broader context. Urban cycling continues to thrive in many European cities, with increased investments in infrastructure and growing popularity of bike-sharing services. The drop in production could represent a market adjustment rather than a collapse of the cycling revolution. Some experts argue that shifting consumer habits, such as a preference for shared mobility or e-bikes, reflect an evolution of the cycling culture rather than its demise. While traditional bicycle production may have decreased, innovations like e-bikes and cycling-friendly urban planning are helping the movement adapt to modern needs. What Could Reverse the Trend? For the EU to regain its footing as a leader in bicycle production, several strategies could help: Boosting E-Bike Production Manufacturers should pivot toward e-bike production to meet rising demand. Governments can support this by offering subsidies and incentives for e-bike purchases and production. Investment in Green Manufacturing Upgrading manufacturing facilities to meet environmental standards while improving efficiency could help lower production costs and increase output. Stimulating Local Demand National governments and local authorities could launch campaigns to encourage bike ownership, including tax breaks or subsidies for traditional bicycles. Supply Chain Resilience Diversifying supply chains and investing in local production of components could reduce reliance on imports and prevent future disruptions. SEE MORE CITY TRANSFORMATIONS A Hopeful Outlook for Urban Cyclists While the production decline is concerning, it is by no means the end of the cycling revolution. Urban cycling remains a cornerstone of sustainable transportation, and the challenges facing the industry present opportunities for innovation. Investments in e-bikes, better infrastructure, and green manufacturing could pave the way for a stronger, more resilient bicycle industry in the EU. The cycling movement is far from over. It’s evolving. With continued support from governments, industry leaders, and cycling advocates, the future of urban mobility remains bright. After all, as cities grow denser and the fight against climate change intensifies, bicycles will remain a vital part of the solution. London daily cycle journeys rocket 26% on 2019 Thursday, 12 December 2024 https://cyclingindustry.news/author/jonathon_harker/ Transport for London has shared some hugely encouraging statistics, noting that daily cycle journeys have increased 5% since 2023, and a notable longer term rise of 26% since 2019. Perhaps subverting expectations and gloomy headlines about the perils for cities during the work from home boom, London has seen an increase in commuters (and others) on the capital’s streets and opting for pedal power over pre-Covid times. The numbers form a strong brace of longer term statistics for cycling together with the finding that cycling traffic is up almost 10% in England over the past decade. While the industry grapples with significant current challenges, the broader trend appears clear – there are more cyclists in England, indicating that the market is expanding (or at the very least people are cycling more often, which almost equates to the same thing, arguably). Inevitably, there’s also an argument for the low cost of cycling vs other modes of transport during a cost of living crisis. 1.33 million cycle journeys in London per day The new TfL data shows that the number of daily cycle journeys increased in 2024 to an estimated 1.33 million journeys per day. The growth was strongest in central London, with an 11.6% increase between 2023 and 2024. Inner London saw a 4.2% increase and outer London saw a 3.8% increase. Working with London boroughs, TfL has increased the length of the strategic cycle network from 90km in 2016 to over 400km in September 2024, meaning that 27.4% of Londoners live within 400 metres of the cycle network. In 2023/24 alone, TfL launched 20 new Cycleways routes, connecting more than 600,000 Londoners to the network. TfL’s continued work with the boroughs in expanding the Cycleway network is working towards the Mayor’s target of 40% of Londoners living within 400m of a Cycleway by 2030. Cycleways across London that helped reach the 400km milestone include Cycleway 23 in Hackney, C9 in Hounslow, C25 in Waltham Forest and C6 in Camden, with each protected cycleway providing a safer route for people choosing to cycle. Delivering high-quality new Cycleways will support Londoners of all backgrounds and abilities to cycle safely, encouraging greater diversity in cycling, said TfL. It is continuing work to expand the network, with construction starting in January on C34 (Wood Lane to Shepherds Bush). The route will include protected cycle lanes, new pedestrian crossings and new bus lanes. Next year will see the completion of several major borough-led Cycleways, including Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne and Deptford Church Street. London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: “It is tremendous that the number of Londoners cycling in the capital continues to grow year-on-year. We are extremely proud of our work to expand the protected cycleway network. This data shows that if you build the right infrastructure, people will use it. We will now look to build on this progress, working closely with boroughs to increase the cycle network even further. Enabling more people to make their journeys by walking, cycling and using public transport is key to building a safer and greener London for everyone.” Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “Walking and cycling is key to making London a sustainable city, so it’s very encouraging to see this new data, which shows that there continues to be a significant number of journeys cycled or on foot. We have made great strides expanding the cycle network throughout London from 90km to over 400km and are continuously working to increase this number. We’re determined to ensure that the way people travel in London is not only healthy and sustainable but also affordable, which is why we are working closely with boroughs to transform our roads and invest in our transport network, enabling even more people to make their journeys by walking, cycling and using public transport.” Oli Ivens, London Director at Sustrans, said: “This new report showing more Londoners are choosing to cycle as part of their everyday journeys is great news from both a health and environmental perspective. Incorporating activity into daily life has huge benefits for businesses too thanks to better physical and mental health, so it’s encouraging to see more people cycling. At Sustrans we’re hugely proud of our work supporting TfL and London boroughs in the roll-out of new cycleways. We continue to design, build and activate new schemes and see huge opportunity for increased cycling in outer-London areas, and an acceleration of the integration of active travel with public transport.”  Mariam Draaijer, Chief Executive of JoyRiders, said: “It’s great to see that overall cycling numbers in London are going up and that it is increasingly seen as a viable alternative form of transport. Cycling can often be faster and more reliable than other forms of transport. It’s important though to point out that there still needs to be more work done especially in London’s outer boroughs and we urgently need to work on closing the gender gap in cycling.” Tom Fyans, Chief Executive Officer at London Cycling Campaign, said: ”London really has embraced cycling. Thanks to sustained investment by TfL, cycling now makes up a third of all tube journeys – it’s a mainstream, mass mode of transport that is healthy, safe, and both climate and congestion busting. TfL’s latest report underlines the urgency of the next steps needed – delivering high-quality safe cycle routes throughout outer as well as inner London, into every borough. That’s what will help London become the clean, green, healthy city the Mayor has committed to.” As noted in some of the above quotes, there’s plenty of room for improvement on those current daily cycle journey statistics and the infrastructure that makes it all possible. Share and hire bikes will have played their part in the rise, and there are some difficulties there too – like those created by some dockless hire bike users – that appear on the cusp of being resolved.