Cycling Statistics before and after Covid in Europe: A Detailed Analysis
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect cycling in Europe? During lockdowns and social distancing, cycling became a safe way to get around, exercise, and see new places. [1]
Bike sales soared in the U.S. and worldwide, and cities quickly set up bike lanes to meet the demand. [1] But, it's unclear if these changes will last, with most COVID-era cycling measures being temporary. [1] This analysis looks at cycling stats before, during, and after the pandemic. It explores how these changes affect city travel, health, and green transport in Europe.
Key Takeaways:
Bike sales went up worldwide because of COVID-19, but most bike lanes made for the pandemic are gone.
In many European cities, more people cycled for fun, but fewer for commuting because of lockdowns and working from home.
During the pandemic, governments helped cycling by creating bike lanes and closing streets, making it safer and more popular.
The pandemic made more people choose green transport, which is good for health and the planet.
Even though cycling is getting more popular, there are still hurdles like safety and lack of bike paths to overcome.
Introduction to Cycling Trends during Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic changed how people cycle in Europe, leading to more bike use. [2] Bike sales in the European Union (EU) hit 22 million units in 2020, up from 20 million the year before. [2] This shows a big jump in cycling in eleven EU countries from 2019 to 2020. [2]
People turned to biking as a way to avoid crowded public transport during the pandemic. [2] The need for outdoor fun and staying fit during lockdowns made biking even more popular. [2] Bike counters and sharing schemes showed cycling bounced back fast after lockdowns. [2]
The rise in biking during the pandemic showed its health perks [2] and its role in green commuting [2] in European cities. This piece looks at why more people started biking, how remote work boosted cycling, and what it means for bike paths and city travel. [2]
Methodology and Data Sources
To study how cycling in Europe changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, we looked at a wide range of data. [3] We used data from two online surveys in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. These surveys had over 2,400 adults from big European cities. [3] They told us about how people moved, worked, shopped, and saw their neighborhoods and bike paths change. [3]
National Data Analysis
We also looked at data from automatic bike counters in 13 European and North American countries. [4] This data, from Eco-counter, tracked bike use weekly and monthly from 2019 to 2021. [4] The countries included the USA, Canada, and many European ones. [4]
City Case Studies
For more detail, we studied 14 big cities in Europe, the USA, and Canada. [3] Cities like Aberdeen, Belfast, and Dublin gave us insights into how biking changed during the pandemic. [3]
This study used surveys, bike counters, and city studies for its data. [3,4,5] This mix of data helps us understand how biking rates, behavior, and bike paths changed in Europe during the pandemic. [3,4,5]
National Cycling Trends: 2019 to 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cycle in Europe. A study looked at data from 47 European countries. [6] It showed how cycling changed during this time.
Eco-counter, a top bike counting service, found big changes in cycling in 13 countries. These changes matched when COVID-19 hit and rules were made. [4]
Overall, more people started cycling, especially for fun. But, fewer people used bikes for commuting. [7] By 2021, the changes were less dramatic as people got used to the pandemic. [4]
In the EU, 2 million more bikes were sold in 2020 than in 2019. This shows more people are choosing to cycle. [7] Automatic counters in 11 EU countries also showed an 8% jump in cycling from 2019 to 2020. [7]
During the pandemic, weekday and weekend cycling both went up. But weekend cycling grew more, by 23%. [7] This was also true in the US and Canada, where weekend cycling rose by 29% and 28%, and weekday cycling fell by 10% in Canada. [7]
More people cycled for fun and exercise as gyms closed. They also chose cycling over public transport to avoid infection and follow distancing rules. [7]
As the pandemic went on, governments backed cycling with new rules. They made bike lanes, lowered speed limits, closed streets, and cut bikesharing costs. [4] These steps made cycling safer and boosted its popularity.
In 2020, cycling levels changed a lot with COVID-19 and rules. But in 2021, the changes were smaller, showing cycling is adapting and getting stronger. [4]
As we deal with the pandemic, the cycling world and leaders aim for a greener, healthier future. They want to make cycling a key way to travel, improving health and the environment. [4,6,7]
National Cycling Trends 2022 - 2024
As the world recovers from COVID-19, cycling trends in Europe show a bright future for green transport. [8] Data up to 2021 shows cycling is set to keep growing. More people are cycling for fun and for commuting as work-from-home and other pandemic changes stick around.
Cycling is great for the planet and our health, making it a top choice for getting around. [9] After lockdown, new bike lanes and a dislike for crowded buses helped boost cycling. [9] Urban design that supports cycling is key to getting more people on bikes, studies say. [9]
The EuroVelo network, with 12 cycling routes across Europe, offers insights into cycling trends. [10] In 2023, all 12 routes saw more traffic than in 2019, with big jumps on EuroVelo 8, 17, and 5. [10] This shows cycling is on the rise for fun, travel, and getting to work post-pandemic.
From 2022 to 2023, EuroVelo saw a slight drop in traffic, but weekends were down more than weekdays. [10] This suggests cycling is still popular for both fun and commuting. The average daily traffic on EuroVelo in 2023 was 10% higher than in 2019, with weekends up 11% and weekdays 9%. [10]
These trends hint at a future where cycling and health go hand in hand. As cycling grows, it will cut down on pollution and encourage healthier living. This could lead to a greener and healthier Europe. [8]
Indicator | Value |
National cycling strategies in Europe |
|
Focus areas of national cycling strategies |
|
Central government investments in cycling/active mobility |
|
This section gives a full view of cycling trends in Europe from 2022 to 2024. The growth in both fun and commuter cycling is good news for sustainable transport and health. It looks like cycling will keep making a positive impact in Europe.
Cycling Statistics before and after Covid in Europe
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cycle in Europe. Many countries saw a big jump in cycling during this time, spending over €4 per person on new bike paths. [11] But, some places that were big on cycling saw fewer people riding to work because of less travel and more remote jobs. [11]
A survey in the U.S. showed 14% of people wanted to cycle more after the pandemic, while 4% planned to cycle less. [11] In the 11 EU countries studied, cycling went up by about 8% during the pandemic. The U.S. saw a 16% increase. [11] Things like age, race, job status, gender, and family size affect how much people plan to cycle after the pandemic. [11]
European cities quickly acted on the new mobility trends, spending €1 billion on cycling projects in 2020. They made about 600 miles (1,000 km) of new bike lanes and car-free areas. [12] Cities like Barcelona, Milan, Paris, London, and Brussels saw a big rise in cycling during the pandemic. [12]
The love for cycling wasn't just for getting to work. More people started riding for fun too. In the U.S., bike sales jumped by 57% from April 2020 to April 2021. [13] France, the U.K., and Germany also saw a big increase in both regular and e-bike sales. [13]
The pandemic has made people turn more to green ways of getting around, with cycling leading the way. As cities and countries keep investing in bike-friendly policies and paths, we'll see how cycling changes the way we move around. [11,12,13]
Recreational vs. Commuter Cycling Patterns
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cycle in Europe, making recreational cycling more popular. As people stayed home more and worked remotely, they turned to cycling for fun and exercise during lockdowns. [14]
Increase in Recreational Cycling
Cities and countries saw a big jump in recreational cycling during the pandemic. In Eastern Canada, cycling went up by 3% from 2019 to 2021, mainly thanks to more recreational riders. [14] Montreal's data showed a 32.3% increase in cycling in 2023 over 2019 levels. [14] But, after fixing data gaps, cycling levels in 2023 were actually 13.4% lower than before the pandemic. [14]
In Vienna, more people started biking, going from 7% in 2019 to 9% in 2020. In Milan, more cyclists used a major bike lane area, going from 5% to 18%. [15] Surveys in Lausanne and Geneva showed that 44% and 27% of people cycled more during the pandemic. [15] Jakarta in Indonesia saw a huge jump in cyclists, almost 500% more than in October 2019. [15]
Things like good lighting, smooth roads, bike lanes, and a nice environment were key for cyclists in Yogyakarta City. [15] More cycling was linked to bike lanes, bike boxes, and clean air. [15]
The pandemic made more people in Europe and beyond take up recreational cycling. It helped them stay healthy in mind and body during tough times. [14,15]
Impact on Bicycle Commuting
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people in Europe commute by bike. More people cycled for fun, but fewer went to work or school. This was because many stayed home, worked remotely, and schools closed. [16]
Yet, some cities made it easier to bike during this time. [17] Places like Paris, Brussels, and Bogotá made more bike lanes. This was to help people move around safely during the pandemic. [17] These changes, along with more people cycling for fun, might make biking to work or school popular again.
In Lisbon, Portugal, a survey showed that after lockdown, more people cycled than before. [16] But most of this cycling was for fun or exercise, not work or school. This shows we need better policies and bike paths to help biking become a main way to commute again.
The pandemic made Europeans realize how crucial safe bike paths are. [18] Surveys said that feeling safe, having more bike lanes, and less bike theft would make more people bike to work. [18] With these changes, biking to work could become more common, leading to greener and healthier travel.
The pandemic has been a mixed bag for biking to work. It brought challenges but also chances for growth. [16,17,18] By understanding what cyclists need, we can make biking to work better for everyone.
Government Cycling Policies during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cycle in Europe. Governments have made many policies to help and encourage cycling. [13] They want to make cycling safe, green, and a way to stay apart during the pandemic.
Bicycle sales and use have gone up a lot. In the U.S., sales jumped by 57% from April 2020 to April 2021. France saw a 1.7% increase in bike sales, with e-bikes up by 31%. [13] The UK saw a 60% rise in cycling sales at the start of the pandemic, with e-bikes doubling in sales. [13] Germany saw a 17% increase in bike sales, with e-bikes up by 44%, making a 61% revenue jump. [13]
Governments have acted fast to meet the demand for cycling. [19] 54 countries aim to make cycling plans by 2030. [19] Of 44 European countries, 20 have a cycling strategy, with 14 active and 6 needing updates. [19] Italy made a new strategy in 2022, and 8 countries are starting theirs for the first time. [19]
Cities have also made changes to help cycling during the pandemic. [12] They spent €1bn on cycling projects in 2020. [12] Barcelona cut public transport use by 50% and car use by 10%, adding 13 miles of bike lanes and boosting cycling by 10%. [12] Milan's Strade Aperte plan added 22 miles of bike lanes and saw a 122% increase in cyclists on a main street. [12] Paris saw a 70% increase in cycling since spring 2020. [12]
These government actions have changed cycling during the pandemic. They could also change how we move around for a long time.
Country | Cycling Policy Initiatives | Cycling Trends |
United States | - Bicycle sales increased by 57% between April 2020 and April 2021 [13] | - Surge in bicycle sales and usage during the pandemic |
France | - 1.7% increase in total number of bikes sold in 2020 [13] - E-bike sales rose by 31% in 2020 [13] | - Increase in bike and e-bike sales during the pandemic |
United Kingdom | - Up to 60% growth in cycling market sales at the beginning of the pandemic [13] - E-bike sales more than doubled [13] | - Significant increase in cycling and e-bike sales |
Germany | - Bike sales (including e-bikes) surged by 17% [13] - E-bike sales increased by 44%, leading to a 61% revenue increase [13] | - Surge in bike and e-bike sales during the pandemic |
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us move towards sustainable and active transport. Cycling is a big part of this change. Governments in Europe have made policies and investments to support this shift. These efforts could greatly improve public health, the environment, and city mobility for a long time.
Long-term Effects on Cycling Infrastructure
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected cycling infrastructure in Europe. Cities quickly put into action plans for bike lanes and cycling-friendly areas. [20] Over €1 billion has been spent on these projects since the pandemic started, adding more than 1,000 kilometers of new paths. [20]
Accelerated Implementation of Existing Plans
Some of these changes were meant to be temporary, but the pandemic showed us why cycling infrastructure is key for sustainable travel. [20] Pop-up cycling paths during the pandemic led to a big increase in cycling in European cities, by 11% to 48%. [20] Also, new bike lanes made more people cycle, by the same amount. [20]
The "pop-up" cycling paths were surprisingly affordable, costing just €9,500 per kilometer in Berlin. [20] These paths led to a big jump in cycling, from 11% to 48% more from March to July 2020. [20] If these paths stay, they could save over $1 billion a year in health costs. [20]
The pandemic made it clear we need to invest in green transport solutions. The fast move to cycling infrastructure shows this change. As cities change, these cycling projects will be key in making travel better and more active. [7]
Public Health and Environmental Benefits
The pandemic has made more people cycle, bringing big health and environmental wins. Cycling is a great way to stay active and boost health. [17] It also cuts down on harmful emissions and makes the air cleaner in many European cities. [17] This makes cycling a key part of moving towards a greener future.
Thanks to COVID-19, more Europeans started cycling. [21] In Spain, road deaths went down by 73% during the lockdown compared to 2019. [17] Places like Scotland, Paris, Brussels, and Bogotá [17] saw more cycling and better bike paths.
The cycling boom has greatly helped the environment. Edinburgh saw a 50% drop in air pollution when traffic went down. [17] European cities are also adding more bike lanes, pushing for greener transport. [17]
Cycling has also made people healthier. Cyclists tend to live two years longer and miss fewer workdays due to sickness. [22] They are also 28% less likely to die from illnesses, showing cycling's health perks. [22]
The rise in cycling during the pandemic has been great for health and the planet. As cities keep investing in cycling, we'll see more benefits for the environment and community health.
Challenges and Barriers
The COVID-19 pandemic made more people in Europe choose cycling as a way to stay safe and avoid crowded buses and trains. [23] But, there are still big hurdles to overcome for cycling to stay popular. [23]
One big issue is the need for more bike lanes and cycling-friendly roads. Some cities are adding bike lanes fast, but many don't have enough yet. [23] This makes cycling less safe and less appealing to people.
Also, cycling might not stay popular once people go back to their old jobs and commute again. [24] Governments need to make policies that keep people cycling for good.
Many people worry about getting hurt while biking. [23] Even though there are fewer cars on the road now, cyclists still need safe places to ride. This means more bike lanes, clear signs, and teaching drivers about bike safety.
The pandemic also made it hard to get bikes and bike gear because of supply chain problems. [25] This makes it harder for people to start cycling.
Despite these issues, the pandemic showed us how great cycling can be for our health and the planet. [23,24] We need to work on these problems to keep cycling going strong.
Challenges | Barriers |
Lack of investment in cycling infrastructure | Potential return to pre-pandemic commuting patterns |
Concerns about cycling safety | Disruptions in bicycle supply chain |
Temporary nature of increased cycling during the pandemic | Perceived risk of injury or accident |
To fix these problems, we need a big plan from governments and leaders. This plan should have short-term and long-term solutions. Ideas include:
More money for bike lanes and signs
Safe cycling campaigns and traffic changes
Incentives for cycling, like bike discounts or bike-sharing help
Fixing the bike supply chain issues
By tackling these issues, we can make cycling a lasting change in how we move around Europe. [23,24,25]
Future Prospects for Sustainable Mobility
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people cycle and use roads. This shows a big chance for a move to sustainable ways of moving around, like more people cycling for fun and to get to work. [26] These changes can help make cities better for bikes and push cycling as a key way to travel. [27]
Government actions are key to this change. By adding more bike lanes [27], they can make cities friendlier for cyclists. This could make cycling a top choice for getting around [27]. Combining cycling with public transport and offering many ways to move around makes sustainable travel more appealing. [27]
Also, making cycling safer and solving theft issues can make more people cycle. [27] With a plan that includes better infrastructure, safety, and public awareness, cycling can change city travel. This leads to a greener and healthier future. [27]
The outlook for sustainable travel looks good, but we all need to work together. [26] By using what we learned from the pandemic and focusing on cycling and green transport, we can make cities better for everyone. [27]
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people cycle in Europe. More people are now cycling for fun, not just for work. This is because fewer are commuting and more want to stay active outdoors. [28]
However, bike commuting shows a mixed picture. In the UK, more people cycle to work, but in Canada, fewer do. [29] This shows we need better policies and bike paths to help everyone move around easily and fairly.
Because of the pandemic, governments have made cycling easier. They've set up new bike paths and supported cycling plans. [30] This shows cycling can help us move around in a healthier way. But, keeping people cycling will take effort and money from leaders and city planners. [30] The data on cycling helps us plan for a greener future in the Netherlands and other places.
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