In a total market of more than 3.4 billion euros, including parts and assistance, bicycle sales have grown by +4% in volume and 15% in value compared to 2020, underlines the Union in a statement.
"The bicycle is now anchored in the mores of the French and has become a real alternative to other means of transport", welcomes the Union which represents professionals in the sector.
Propelled by the transport strike at the start of 2021 and then by health restrictions, the sector was nevertheless severely disrupted last year by shortages of parts, logistical problems, increases in transport costs and raw materials.
In two years, cycle sales have increased by 43%.
The market is strongly driven by electrically assisted bicycles (VAE), which set a new record at 660,000 units sold (+28% over one year).
VAEs now represent almost one in four bicycles sold in France, and 59% of the market in value, with a sale price of 1,993 euros on average.
The average price of classic bicycles is 423 euros (+7% over one year).
This increase mainly benefits multisport brands such as Decathlon or Go Sport, which represent two-thirds of bicycle sales volumes but remain behind on pedelecs compared to cycle specialists.
In addition, sales of mountain bikes fell slightly (-8%), as did sales of folding bikes (-21%), while sales of children's bikes remained stable.
The production of bicycles in France increased sharply in 2021, to 804,744 units (+ 25%) of which almost half are VAE.
The Union plans to approach one million in 2022, with a majority of VAE.
Imports increased by 20% in 2021, mainly from Portugal, Italy and Romania.
© 2022 AFP