30% leap in bike sales as workers get into pedal power

YOU wouldn’t have believed it could happen five years ago – but the country is now enjoying something of a two-wheeled revolution with the neighbourhood bike shop reporting 30% sales increases in the past year.

The Department of the Environment’s cycle to work Scheme is being partly credited with the success, but bike shops in Dublin, Cork and Galway say that sales are increasing independently as more people cycle as a leisure activity, to save money or to keep fit.

The cycle scheme launched by the Government enables workers to buy tax-free bikes and accessories to a maximum value of €1,000, saving employees up to €400.

Cycling is one of the greenest – and cheapest – forms of travel, with an estimated 2kg of carbon saved for every short journey made using a bike instead of a car.

But not all employers are offering the scheme. Nonetheless, urban workers are opting to cut their weekly petrol and parking expenses by cycling to work. Many others have got “rid of the second car”, said one bike shop owner.

Mark Sherlock, of Capwell Cycles in Cork city, said that they had “the busiest summer ever”, with 60% of those buying bikes using them as a leisure activity.

“We have been very, very busy. Yes, the cycle to work scheme is proving very popular but we are seeing growing numbers who want to cycle as a hobby. Most of the people buying bikes are in their 30s or 40s and want to enjoy cycling,” he said.

Nigel’s Cycle in Galway city said they’ve seen that same influx of people in their 30s and 40s – with many of their customers “going out to the shed and dusting down their old bikes” and then getting them repaired. Like Mark Sherlock, he estimates, new bike sales are up by about 30% on 2008.

“Many people are using their bikes to get to work and get around rather than the car. It’s about money but it’s also about getting fit. Also, the quality of waterproofs has improved enormously. People aren’t put off by rain as much anymore,” said Owen Behan.

Chris Atchler, of Cycleways on Dublin’s Parnell Street, said their shop sold out of the “top-end” bikes, such was the interest in the cycle to work scheme.

He also said there is a resurgence in people mountain and road-biking at the weekends.

“We’re now bringing in the 2010 models as there is a huge demand for the top-end as people are using the full €1,000 offered by the state for the actual bike and accessories like lights and helmets,” he said.

All of the bike shop owners said the cycle to work scheme “had to be welcomed” by their industry but called for more investment in proper cycle lanes as the existing networks are patchy – often “only running for a stretch of road before disappearing again”.

The cycle to work initiative is part of the Green Party’s policy to reduce carbon emissions.