It would seem that I can expect a lot more two wheeled company on the road when I’m out cycling.
The Cycling Promotion Fund released details today about the growing popularity of the humble bicycle in Australia and around the world.
Bicycles have extended their sales lead over cars for 2006, with Australian bike sales hitting a new record of almost 1.3 million while car sales declined from the previous year.
Bicycle sales in Australia totalled 1 273 781 for their fifth straight year of million-plus sales, more than 32 per cent ahead of the motor vehicle sales total of 962 521.
In the seventh successive year in which bicycles have outsold cars, bikes have extended their lead to more than 300 000.
It seems that bicycle production worldwide is well over double that of car production each year. I know that bikes are used in very different ways in different countries but it’s great to see millions of people across the globe opting for two wheels.
When was the last time you enjoyed the thrill of cycling?
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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The fact that the article mentions “seventh consecutive year” probably gives a lot away. I suspect that in previous years most of those bicycles just ended up hung in a garage somewhere. People with great “new year’s resolutions” of getting fit or whatever, which lasted about two weeks. Probably the same phenomenon which fills every garage sale in suburbia with those “revolutionary exercise machines” advertised on TV.
I’ll take a little convincing that it’s going to be any different this year. And speaking as a life-long cyclists, I have some reservations about whether I really want more people taking up the activity without any kind of education, training, or even a clue in a lot of cases.
Hey Rodney, They build these Orbea’s right here in my town. Is this the bike you have? Very Nice! Happy upcoming Aussie Day!
I think you’re right, Chris, a lot of bikes do only get ridden a couple of times and then stay in the shed. I imagine the figures would also include all those ‘bikes’ that get sold at department stores that are at best toys and at worst dangerous. As for more people taking up cycling without training, Id’ certainly like to see people get a bit more serious about their cycling. A lot of people don’t realise that riding a bicycle means that they are in charge of a vehicle and that comes not only with rights but responsibilities. Overall though, I’m happy to see more bikes being produced and sold because I know that there’s at least a percentage of those bikes that’ll be used well.
Geo, unfortunately that’s not my bike. I’d love one but my bike is a six and a half year old Kojima. You’ve probably never even heard of the brand. It’s served me well with a couple of trips across Australia and lots of commuting. I’d love to get something a bit more upmarket one day but I’m just happy to be riding right now.
Hi Rodney. Lovely to meet another blogger through the forum! Thanks for your comment re Bowie! Hope the neighbours were ok! lol
I also cycle. I now have a Specialised Allez Triple. It`s a lovely road bike and so smooth. It doesn`t make a sound! I try and go out a few times per week, but the weather has been far too stormy here in Cornwall, UK for me to go out much. I tried an Orbea but for some reason I felt more comfortable with the Specialized. It might be a girl thing!!
My cycle buddy and myself hope to cycle the length of Cornwall in a weekend for a charity sometime in the summer so I ought to get some training in. If worse comes to the worse I will have to get my heavy old mountain bike out and get some training in, hey!