Bicycle across America

During the long period of Covid lockdowns, cycling and bicycle sales sped ahead as people around the world looked to exercise and get around in the fresh air. While the boom in sales largely abated as economies reopened, this has been less so in the United States, according to a new report from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. In 2019, average monthly consumer expenditures on bicycles and accessories in the US totaled USD 6 billion, and jumped to a peak of just under USD 9 billion in March 2021. Average monthly expenditures during 2022 and into 2023 have remained stable at just over USD 8 billion – 33% higher than in 2019. While data on bicycle usage is less available, the report notes that ridership for the six largest docked bicycle rental services in city centers is up 42% since the start of the pandemic.