GOOD NEWS: Cycle sales soar in UP’s Gorakhpur as people take to cycling to fight Covid-19

New Delhi: As Coronavirus continues to infect more and more people across the country, keeping oneself fit and keeping immune system strong has been suggested one of the most effective measures to fight this deadly virus outbreak.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur city, a large section of people have adopted cycling as their favourite exercise as this not only keeps up their energy level but also gives an opportunity to move out of the house. Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to spend maximum time at home. The city is witnessing steep rise in cycling as the cycle sales have witnessed exponential rise.

A cycle shop owner told us, “Although gyms have reopened now, people are staying away from gyms, there is a huge demand for cycles.”

Exponential rise in cycle sales, Rs 1,500 – Rs 15,000 cycles in demand

“During normal days, we used to sell around 100 cycles per month. But now the sale has increased to 200 to 300 cycles per month. People are using cycles in order to reduce their weight and stay fit,” another shopkeeper said.

Cycling also allows people to maintain Covid-norms like social distancing and assembling at one place. Moreover, it is also a pollution-free medium of transport.

As more and more people take to cycling, the bicycles in the range of Rs 1,500 – Rs 15,000 are witnessing maximum demand. People are willing to shell out this much for bicycles.

Chinese cycles, raw material suppliers get a hit

Call it a boon or bane, the supply of Chinese bicycles as well as raw material from China has taken a major hit. Till January 2020, lot of raw materials were imported here for assembling of bicycles but Covid-19 and ensuing lockdown has changed it all.

A Hindi daily says cities like Ludhiana and Ghaziabad have replaced the Chinese suppliers. The locally made bicycles are also cheaper than imported ones.