In January and February this year 154,000 bicycles were produced in Poland, and in 2020, in the same period, 155,000. The lower production is related to difficult access to components imported from China, but Poland is the 4th producer of bicycles in the EU, noted the Polish Economic Institute (PIE).

In 2015-2019, an average of 1.12 million bicycles was produced in Poland. In 2020, however, there was a decrease in production to 750,000, and the first months of 2021 indicate a similar result.

As PIE noted, the reduction in production is related to the difficult access to components imported from China, especially the most frequently used Shimano gears in Polish bikes.

According to the Institute, the pandemic has contributed to an increase in demand for bicycles all over the world – they are perceived as a safe means of transport that allows you to keep your distance.

"In Poland, every fifth cyclist currently rides more than before the pandemic. Due to the rapid increase in demand and, at the same time, difficulties in production, the waiting times for deliveries of new bicycles in many places around the world have significantly increased," the experts explained.

According to PIE, the export of bicycles is growing faster than the total Polish export of goods, although it currently does not play a significant role in it. In 2020, exports exceeded PLN 1 billion, by 20 percent more than in 2019, but it was only 0.1 percent of total Polish exports of goods. As added, the importance of a new category – bicycles with an electric motor – is growing.

(PAP)