Today’s English “Bicycle sales boom amid pandemic”

Bicycle sales boom amid pandemic.

Getting around by bicycle was once a traditional transportation method in Việt Nam’s capital city.

But as time moved on, so too did travel habits, and pushbikes were quickly overtaken by motorcycles on Hà Nội’s roads.

Now it seems cycles are making a comeback, thanks mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the closure of gymnasiums due to increased social distancing regulations, many keep-fitters are swapping their gym gear for cycling shorts.

Bicycle shops say they have noticed a sharp increase in new business as more and more people are hitting the road to stay in shape.

“My shop is selling locally-made and imported bikes from prestige foreign companies,” said Văn Đức, who own Anh Quân bike shop on Bà Triệu street.

“These days, my shop sells between 20-25 bikes per day, up between 15-20 percent compared to before the pandemic.”

Hà Thu, another shop owner on the same street, agreed.

She said: “The pandemic has caused economic difficulties, so many people change their thinking and buy bicycles to minimize daily costs such as gas, parking fees and to exercise.

“Since May, my shop is selling twice as many bikes as usual at around 30 bikes a day.”

Phạm Duy, a bike shop owner in Đan Phượng District of Hà Nội believes people are also concerned about traveling on public transport because of overcrowding.

“COVID-19 has changed many people’s habits,” Duy said.

“All the gyms and yoga studios have closed and travel restrictions have made many people bored as they want to go outside for physical exercise.

“During the pandemic, riding bikes provided one of the easiest ways to get outside and get exercise while also practicing social distancing.”

Customer Minh Lưu from Xuân Đỉnh District added: “I came here to buy a bike for my daughter to help her get ready for the next school year. Due to the pandemic, I want her to exercise more, so I bought this bike for her to exercise in the morning also.”

Refer to:
Vietnam news