BICYCLES IN BOOM

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 25, 30 January 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

BICYCLES IN BOOM

2d PER PERSON PER RIDE The year just closed was notable for many startling events and strange developments, but one of the most interesting and significant went unrecorded. It is that in 1936, more bicycles were made ana sold in Australia sinco the bicycle was invented. Cycling is experiencing a boom not only in Australia but in Britain and other countries. In Britain in the year 1930, they sold 850,000 bicycles; last year, the number jumped up to just double that figures—l,7oo,ooo and they expect the increase to be continued pro rata in 1937. How many bicycles are in use in Australia? No one can give the exact figures, but in U.S.A. production in relation to its population is some basis for calculation. It must bs remembered, however, that cheap petrol, cheap new and sec-ond-hand motor vehicles are within reach of wage earners in U.S.A., but, nevertheless, 639,439 bicycles were produced there in 1935. In 1899, 1,182,691 were produced, but in the following years production was heavily reduced. It would be reasonable to assume, however, that out of 10 years’ production, no fewer than 3,500,000, would be retained for use. On this basis, Australia would operate about 250,000. This figure, however, is considered too low, because of the wage earners who use a bicycle in Australia, whilst In U.S.A. they can afford a motor vehicle. A safe estimate for Australia is calculated to be half a million in daily use, which save the users just on £3,000,000 annually in rail and tram fares, calculating the single fare saved at 2d per person per ride.