2020 will be remembered as the record year for bike sales. Just as the mountain bike phenomenon of the 1990s contributed significantly to their spread across the country, in recent months the pandemic has fuelled this new boom. You have to go back 30 years to find comparable figures, with the national pedal-powered two-wheeler market once again breaking through the barrier of two million units sold.

Traditional bikes perform well, electric bikes make a great leap

For Paolo Magri, president of Confindustria Ancma (the national association for bicycles, motorcycles and accessories), bikes responded "to the need for distancing and sustainable urban mobility," as well as to the "desire for freedom and wellbeing." Not forgetting the introduction of the government's mobility bonus, which was fundamental in "significantly supporting demand that was, in any case, already following a positive growth trend before the incentives came into effect." According to estimates released by Ancma, in 2020 traditional bikes grew (+14 per cent on 2019) with 1,730,000 units purchased, while electric bicycles made a great leap, reaching 280,000 units sold and recording +44 per cent compared to the previous year. These figures bring the total number of bikes sold during the months marked by the spread of the coronavirus to 2,010,000 (+17 per cent).

Pedal-assist bicycles in particular are confirming themselves as a continuously growing market phenomenon: in just five years, their sales figures have quintupled — a surge that opens up further development prospects for the industry and its supply chain. Another interesting aspect concerns purchasing habits, with specialist shops confirming their role as a point of reference for consumers on the ground: more than 70 per cent of the two billion euros in turnover generated by the sales network came from local retail businesses.

Applications open for Italy's cycling tourism Oscar

As well as for its record sales, the year just gone will be remembered as the golden year of cycling tourism: around five million Italians chose to travel by bicycle during their summer holidays, spending approximately four billion euros. And just in recent days, applications opened for the Italian green road award 2021, the sixth edition of Italy's cycling tourism Oscar, which is awarded to the "green routes" of Italian regions that have distinguished themselves particularly in their commitment to slow tourism and have succeeded in enhancing cycling routes by complementing them with services suited to the development of slow tourism.

From 18 to 20 June, Abruzzo — winner of the 2020 edition with the Bike to coast cycleway — will host the awards ceremony in the city of Pescara. A three-day event in which the bicycle will be the absolute star, bringing visibility to the region and engaging the local population, operators and all those who are drawn to the great world of two wheels, highlighting its aspects of environmental and social sustainability, employment opportunities and future prospects.