Bicycle sales in Spain have experienced a notable decrease these last years, and the sector points to several factors as the originators of this trend.
Among them, in upandbike we highlight a persistent problem: the lack of secure spaces to park bicycles.
After 2020’s and 2021’s sales records, the market saw a 10% decrease in 2023, having only sold 1,22 million bicycles, according to the Associación de Marcas y Bicicletas de España (AMBE).
Although electric bicycles keep on gaining popularity, in upandbike we are aware of the fact that many potential users get discouraged because of their fear of thefts and the lack of adecuate parking infrastructures.
The decline in bicycle sales in Spain: Fear of thefts and lack of secure parking?
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The lack of secure parking stops the drive towards future mobility
In the newspaper EL PAÍS, Jesús Freire, general secretary of AMBE, points out that the sales boom during pandemic years was impulsed by new policies and the creation of temporal bicycle lanes. However, once the initial push ended, problems in cycling infrastructure have become more evident.
In upandbike we know that in many cities the lack of secure parking is a significant obstacle, which prevents urban cyclists from using their bicycles confidently.
Manuel Marsilio, general director of the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (Conebi), also recognizes the decrease in sales being an european fenomenon, due to supply problems during the pandemic and those years’ record sales.
To supply problems, from upandbike we add that the lack of secure bicycle parking contributes to the decrease in sales.
Laura Vergara, CEO of the Coordinadora en defensa de la Bici (Conbici), adds that bicycle use keeps on growing and that the Next Generation funds can significantly promote cycling infrastructure. Nontheless, he underlines that many users still fear leaving their bicycles on the street due to the theft risk.
Units sold per year in Spain
- 2015 - 1.103.839 units sold
- 2016 - 1.115.034 units sold
- 2017 - 1.116.232 units sold
- 2018 - 1.047.492 units sold
- 2019 - 1.261.283 units sold
- 2021 - 1.571.368 units sold
- 2022 - 1.357.854 units sold
- 2023 - 1.220.963 units sold
Source: Ambe - EL PAÍS
How can upandbike solve the problem of secure parking and promote sustainable mobility
In upandbike we understand that security is a crucial concern from urban cyclists.
Our solutions of secure, automatic, elevated and smart bicycle parkings are designed specifically to tackle on this problem, offering multiple benefits:
1. Security and tranquility
Our secure parking stations significantly reduce the theft and damage risk, providing cyclists with the tranquility of knowing their bicycles are protected. Not only does this protect the user’s investment on their bicycles, but it also promotes their daily use through provinding a reliable and accessible parking option.
2. Optimization of urban space
Our automatic and secure parking solutions allow a more efficient use of urban space, leaving valuable meters of sidewalk free and facilitating the integration of more cycling infrastructure. This optimization is ideal for cities with space limitations and contibutes to bettering urban aesthetics.
3. Smart technology
upandbike stations are equipped with smart technology that allows users to book parking spots beforehand, monitor availability in real time and guaranteeing their bicycle’s security at any given time.
This technology not only improves user experience, but it also provides valuable data about use patterns, which can help cities plan and optimize their cycling infrastructures accordingly.
4. Encourage the use of electric bicycles
With the constant growth of electric bicycles, our parking stations are designes do accomodate this type of bicycles, including charging options.
This eases the use of electric bicycles for daily trips, supporting a sustainable and efficient transport alternative.
5. Collaboration with local administrations
We believe that the collaboration with local administrations is essential for the success of sustainable mobility.
We work closely with municipal governments, assuring that bicycles turn into an integral part of the urban transport ecosystem.
upandbike, the solution to boost sustainable mobility
In a time when bicycle sales face challenges, upandbike positions itself as a key solution to address the problem of the lack of secure parkings and boosting sustainable mobility.
When offering secure, efficient and technologically advanced parking solutions, not only do we protect the cyclists’ investement, but we also promote bicycle use as a viable and attractive transport option.
With our help, cities can creat a more amiable environment for cyclists, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future.
In upandbike we are firmly comitted to promoting sustainable mobility in tomorrow’s cities.
Thanks to our innovative solutions of secure bicycle parking networks, it is possible to contribute significantly to the creation of smart and decontaminated cities.
When promoting bicycle use, we contribute to decreasing greenhouse gases emissions, reducing vehicular traffic and improving air quality in our cities.
We firmly believe that bicycles are powerful tools to transform our cities, making them more habitable, healthy and sustainable.
