Every second, five bicycles are manufactured worldwide. Stated like this, the figure may seem abstract. To put it into perspective, just compare it to the annual production of automobiles: for every car that hits the market, almost three bicycles are made. This data reflects unstoppable growth in the cycling industry over the past few decades.
Just 50 years ago, in 1965, the global production of cars and bicycles was practically the same: around 20 million units each. However, while car manufacturing has increased at a steady pace, bicycle production has experienced a much more remarkable boom. In 2003, more than 100 million units were produced, and for this year it is estimated that over 130 million bicycles will be sold worldwide.
This phenomenon not only affects urban bicycles. The growth includes both road bikes, used for sports and long-distance cycling, and mountain bikes, which are increasingly popular among those seeking adventure in natural environments or technical trails.
Currently, it is estimated that there are over one billion bicycles in circulation around the world, according to data collected by Worldometer. Of these, about half are in China. The Asian giant not only leads as the main producer—more than 60% of the world’s bicycles are made there—but also represents a changing market. Despite its manufacturing leadership, bicycle use in Chinese urban areas has dropped: from 33% of trips in 1995 to 20% today.
A curious fact is that 86% of the bicycles sold in the United States come from China, which demonstrates the weight of Asian production even in Western markets.
And what place does Spain occupy on this global cycling map? According to Worldometer, our country ranks number 13, with around 7 million bicycles in circulation(Originally seen on Brujulabike). This number includes both cyclists who use mountain bikes for weekend rides or XC competitions, as well as those who choose road bikes for endurance training and cycling events.