BIKE SHOPS

In March, bike shops were listed as an “essential service” and were permitted to stay open during the nationwide lockdown.

Since then, sales have rocketed. Halfords reported a 500% rise in cycling equipment being bought when lockdown began in March and said bike sales were double their normal levels in April, while Evans Cycles continued to see “unprecedented demand”.

With many born-again bikers hauling out long-forgotten two-wheelers from the back of the garage, repair shops are also experiencing a roaring trade.

Many report a huge spike in customers and long, socially distanced queues out the door, with more would-be cyclists sitting on waiting lists.

“We have a maximum two-week-long waiting list which is completely full, so we are having to alternate our ability to take bikes on,” said

Iain McAllister, manager at Edinburgh repair shop, Eastside Bikes.

“We’re seeing the demand for bikes and servicing that we usually have in the summer but with added intensity.

“We’re working flat-out each day and the phone is ringing off the hook. We’re looking at getting an answering system to take the pressure off.

“We build and resell secondhand bikes which aren’t staying on the shop floor for more than 24 hours right now. We’re actually selling commuter and hybrid bikes as they are being built.”

Iain added: “We know other shops have month-long waiting lists and ones selling new bikes are seeing an unprecedented demand.

“It’s great to see more people, especially families, riding about the city when the roads would usually be very busy. But it has been a full-on time for us.”