Why bicycle repair shops are open even in times of crisis
The Velosuisse sales figures for 2019 speak a clear language: more and more people are discovering the bicycle and e-bike as a time-saving, health-promoting and, in times of the coronavirus, hygienic alternative to public transport. The federal government has therefore exempted bicycle repair shops from the closure order under the second Covid 19 ordinance in order to ensure the mobility of the population.
(SFVE) The great demand for e-bikes continued unabated in 2019. In percentage terms, however, the growth was not quite as high as in 2018, which went down in history with a record increase of 27 percent. Compared to the previous year, sales in 2019 grew by 19.1 percent to 133033 e-bikes. During the same period, the total bicycle market grew by 5.2 per cent to 363497 units - but slightly at the expense of pure muscle bikes (-1.4%). E-MTB sales developed less dynamically, literally exploding in 2018 with a plus of more than 50 percent. Their share grew in 2019 almost in step with the e-bike market to a total of 51237 (+18.5%).
System relevant bicycle repair shops
With its recent decree to combat Covid-19, the Federal Council has underlined the great importance of the bicycle as a mode of transport and for public health. While public facilities such as shops, markets, restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities have had to remain closed since 17 March, bicycle repair shops, among others, may remain open to ensure the mobility of the population. According to a survey of bicycle retailers, they are prepared to fight the coronavirus. This is also urgently needed. Because people do not want to expose themselves to the risk of infection, they prefer to sit on their bicycles rather than on public transport. This increases the need for service and repair work, spare parts and bicycles. Velosuisse importers are currently still confident that they can meet the increased demand. However, if the supply chain from China and South-East Asia, and more recently occasionally from Europe, does not resume soon, supply shortages could occur from May onwards. Even now, sought-after spare parts and bicycle models are difficult to obtain.
In order to limit the risk of infection, staff are also required in their own interest, especially in the numerous small bicycle repair shops, to avoid customer contact whenever possible and to keep sufficient distance even in the workshop. New sales must no longer take place face-to-face in the shop, but - as with the large Internet shops - must be made by telephone, chat, e-mail, web shop or via social media. The goods are then made available for collection or sent home by post or delivery service. When paying the bill, immediate cashless payment or bank transfer is to be favoured so that the industry does not run the risk of a liquidity bottleneck.
March 20th, 2020