Bicycle Market....

When students were set an assignment on bicycles last year Peter and I struggled to find much information. Neither Keynote, nor Marketline have produced a report on this market. The Mintel Report which we traced was unfortunately very expensive, and we feared that it may not reach the library shelves in time.

I recently found a article in a print journal which looks relevant ( albeit two years old ) about a UK manufacturer of cycles and the challenges that they face. The article is available in the LRC in print.

Lawell, F (2009) Raleigh : cycling to success ? Business Review Vol 15 (3) p. 16-17

The article got me thinking about a SWOT analysis of the whole Market

STRENGTHS
Cycling is being promoted for health purposes
Road congestion, improved cycle-paths, "Boris Bikes" might encourage people to try it
A cheaper option than your car ? And if the roads are congested, quicker too ( over a short distance ? )
WEAKNESSES
Most people still prefer their car - low uptake - I would try to back up this point with some statistics
Cycling in cities seen to be dangerous
Accidents and smog make it an unattractive option
OPPORTUNITIES
Government support of green transport
Bike Loan Schemes
Cycling charities
Reports on health benefits
THREATS
Government funding might be cut
Cycle manufacturers ( eg Raleigh ) may suffer in the recession
More production moving abroad ( most made in Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Eastern Europe and Vietnam )