==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Get wheel:
Pedaling through a recession?
Hybrids take the lead
WHAT'S HAPPENING
from www.iconoculture.com
In some categories, the economy has been sucking wind since Summer 2007. That's
when energy costs began to climb sky high, and the subprime mess first erupted.
But one sector of the economy that did surprisingly well in 2007 was bicycle
sales.
According to the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association annual report, released
in January 2008, revenues for sales of bicycles were up 4% in 2007 (BicycleRetailer.com
2.25.08).
High-end mountain bikes were popular, but even more surprising was the healthy
sales of "hybrid" bikes - regular two-wheelers for commuting, recreation
and just getting around. Those bikes saw an increase of 6% in sales for '07.
Another leading indicator? Shimano, the world's largest maker of bike parts,
reported a 44% increase in revenues in 2007.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
Consumers are taking to bikes like never before, and they've got good reason.
The expense of maintaining, fueling and parking a car is making them think twice
about all those short trips to the grocery store, and even the commute to work.
Consumers are also relieving stress and taking "me time" in ways that
are close to home, sustainable and healthy. The bike may be the Icono Killer
App of the 21st century: It brings together SustainAbilities, Health Monitor,
Funster, Dollars and Sense and Get Real in ways few other products do.
See www.iconoculture.com
for details.
Note from BWA-NH
For the first time in years, Specialized brand bicycles are outselling Trek.
Their most popular models are hybrids with durable 700x35 tires, a good choice
for local travel, commuting, rough roads, and a hard-packed trails.
