Buying Bicycles

Post date: December 22, 2020 11:58 AM

by Zoe Lewis

If you step into a bike store, odds are you won't find what you walked in to purchase. This holiday season, bikes are becoming harder to find due to COVID-19. This is not a new problem, for there has been a shortage of bicycles for several months. The number of nationwide bicycle sales, equipment, and repair services has doubled compared to last year. Bike theft is higher in New York, which fuels the demand more.

The shortage began back in January when COVID-19 forced factories in East Asia to shut down. Their closing had a substantial impact on the world's bike supply, for it is the center of the bike supply chain. Commuters began using bikes since the use of public transportation has become worrisome. Parents and children were tired of being cooped up and thought bikes would be the best way to get outside. By the end of April, most bike stores were out of stock and couldn't afford to stay open.

New bicycles won't be available for some months, but a few stores are still open for repairs and service. Although it may be expensive or hard to find, you can still purchase a bike. Whether it be new, broken in, from another state, or online shopping, they are out there for sale someplace.