Australian bike sales dip to lowest since 2012
Posted on in Cycles News
Sales of bicycles in Australia in 2016-17 are the lowest since 2012, with a total of 1,177,784 sold for the year.
Following reports that UK bike imports and sales have hit an all time low, it would appear that the problem is worldwide with similar statistics being reported across the globe.
Based on ABS import data, Bicycle Industries Australia report that the number of bicycles has only been lower twice in the last decade, in 2009 following the GFC with a total of 1,154,345 bikes sold and in 2012 the number was 1,166,712.
The largest concern is the fall in children's bicycle imports, which have fallen by more than 22% in the last 10 year, dropping from 492,000 in 2007-8 to 382,000 this year.
An estimated two thirds of five-year-olds and more than half of nine-year-olds are being driven to school every day, making them among the most "chauffeured" in the world.
Bicycle Industries Australia General Manager, Peter Bourke said the import data was the best reflection of how many children were taking up cycling, as less than 0.01% of bikes sold were made in Australia.
"We don't actually have data on sales of the bikes from the retailer but we do know that 99% of bikes imported by the wholesalers are sold, whether it be within one week or several months," he said. "We have also seen a decline in the number of adult bicycles being imported into Australia but the decline is nowhere near as severe."
Commenting on the continuing difficult sales situation Bourke said retail conditions remain challenging for the bicycle industry.
It is also a reflection of the lack on investment from all levels of government in appropriate infrastructure and policies.
"With few exceptions, our industry is struggling to maintain sales and many of our retailers are choosing to leave the industry," Mr Bourke said.
"The quality of bicycles and value-for-money has never been better and we hope more Australians choose this great way to travel locally and stay active - it's something the whole family can do."