By some estimates, there are more than two billion bikes in use around the world. By 2050, the global cycle market could be as large as five billion. Over 50 percent of people know how to ride a bike.
Cycling has enjoyed fluctuating levels of popularity over the years. However, cycling activity is now on an upward trend, and it's unlikely to come down again. Biking is seen as an attractive, cost effective, healthy, and convenient way to get around.
A recent attribution to this growth was the pandemic. Covid-19 brought about a dramatic increase in bicycle sales. Heightened anxiety over public transportation and a surge in exercise has meant that more and more chose to cycle.
This rise in popularity in cycling can also be attributed to environmentally conscious people. Transportation makes up the second biggest source of greenhouse gases. Seventy-two percent of all trips three mile or less are made by motor vehicles today, the vast majority of which could be biked in less than twenty minutes.
The wider availability of bikes through rideshare programs has also contributed to the popularity of cycling. Over 100 million rides were taken on bikes in these systems last year, evidence that bikeshare is changing how people get around town.
Cycling has never been easier as more accommodations are being made for cyclists on roads across the country. Bike-riding is becoming more mainstream by the creation of protected bike lanes and neighborhood greenways. Bike lanes give cyclists the same ease of mobility that motorists enjoy on roads and pedestrians on sidewalks.
Another reason why cycling remains popular is that it is an easy way to stay healthy. Cycling can be done anywhere, making it a convenient workout option. The sport activates many different muscles making it a very efficient workout.
Cycling is growing because people are finding it easy and fulfilling to incorporate cycling into their daily lives. It comes as no surprise to those who do - they know how good it feels to ride a bike with the landscape unfolding all around.