Bicycle Sales Are Booming During Coronavirus Lockdown

My Surly Ogre

By Michael Hooper

We've all heard of the toilet paper shortage. Now bicycles are the new toilet paper.

People are looking for ways to exercise and stay healthy during the coronavirus lockdown. Bicycles are the attraction.

"We've had world record sales days," said Gary Long, owner of Cycle Works in Lawrence, Kan. "Unfortunately supplies are running out. It's tough to keep up with demand."

Gyms have been closed during the coronavirus shutdown.

People want something to do during the pandemic, and cycling is a fairly safe form of exercise, Long said in a phone interview.

Brian Buell, owner of Bonzai Cycle Werx, North Richland, Texas, said he has been selling bicycles at a record pace. For example, last weekend he sold 30 bicycles. "We did a whole month's worth of business in two and a half days. Bicycles are officially the new toilet paper," Buell said.

Buell said all of his vendors are running out. "We still have some bicycles coming our way but it's going to get harder and harder to find bicycles under $500 to $600," he said.

Long said the big box stores that sell the cheap bikes are running out.

I think this is wonderful news. Cyclists have known for years that the bicycle is one of the greatest inventions of all time. With just a little effort you can pedal across miles and miles of pavement or trail and leave no carbon footprint. The bicycle gives the cyclist an opportunity to see the world while still getting some exercise. During the coronavirus lockdown I have avoided the car and done most of my shopping and exercise with my bicycle.

The bicycle sales trend is a worldwide phenomenon. There are reports of bicycle shortages in Australia.

Some customers are buying motorized assisted bicycles. These have become very popular with the older set. I have a neighbor who is retired and he loves his motorized bicycle. It's an electric motorized bike that cost him about $600. He rides all over Topeka with his electric bike.

If you want to get some exercise, use no gasoline or fuel, ride a pure-play bicycle. My wife and I have been riding bicycles nearly every day this spring. Gage Park has a bike/pedestrian path all the way around the park. Lake Shawnee also has a wonderful bike/pedestrian path. The Shunga Trail has been extended in recent years, it hooks up to the Landon Trail in south Topeka. So there are plenty of places to ride.

Sometimes I like to ride in the country. Gravel riding is a blast on my Surly Ogre.