Bikes in short supply as cycling’s lockdown boom depletes stocks

THE cycling boom is threatened by a shortage of bikes with buyers on waiting lists and stores scooping up second-hand models.

Some bike shops have been told they might have to wait until November to get new stock as people look for alternatives to public transport during the pandemic.

The Government has asked people to avoid buses and trains wherever possible, while many people feel cautious about the risk of infection.

Meanwhile, as many as 16.6million bikes are sitting largely unused, with a government scheme to give people £50 vouchers to fix them yet to launch. Jenny Box, of Cycling UK, said: “It is true that bike shops have seen a surge in demand and some people are struggling to get hold of new bikes. But that doesn’t mean there is a shortage.”

She said that roughly 16.6 million bikes were “languishing unloved and unused in sheds and garages around the country”, while Government figures suggest 42 per cent of people who have access to a bike do not use it.

In May, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the voucher scheme to “help up to half-a-million people drag bikes out of retirement”. At the time he said it would be “available from next month”. On June 22 the Government revealed details of how businesses can sign up, but it is yet to announce when customers will be able to claim the vouchers.

The Daily Telegraph understands that some cycling firms have asked the Government to delay rollout of the voucher scheme as they fear they will not be able to cope with the demand.

The Bicycle Association, a trade body, said firms currently had waiting lists of up to six weeks for a service, while some shops have been told they will have to wait months for new stock. A spokesman said it was the busiest the industry had been for at least 35 years.

According to the Financial Times, one retailer was buying up second-hand bikes for refurbishment and resale.

The Government said that it remains committed to the voucher scheme and that it would be launched in due course.