More than one type of customer in cycles

For decades now the majority of the cycles industry has been made up of men. The industry has overlooked other demographics and target audiences that are interested in cycling.

According to a recent report from Sustrans and Arup, one-third of disabled people in UK cities would like to start cycling.

This spike in interest in everyday cycling is mirrored amongst other demographic groups including women (32%) and people over 65 (15%).

The report found that women, disabled people and older people face barriers to beginning to cycle or to cycling more. These barriers include the association that cycling isn't an activity for people like ‘them', heightened safety concerns when sharing road space with cars, the lack of dedicated cycles infrastructures and the lack of connectivity.

The report also offers a number of recommendations for towns and cities to ensure the voices of underrepresented groups are integrated into policy and planning.

But, as a bike shop, you can make changes and adapt your business to support and include the variety of demographics that take an interest in cycling.