Bicycle sales soar in Dhaka after virus fears

DHAKA commuters hitting the streets again after a monthslong lockdown are opting for bikes to maintain social distancing – and discovering that pedal power is a way to beat the city’s notorious traffic.

Bangladesh lifted restrictions on movement at the end of May to revive its stuttering economy, including on the fume-spewing three-wheelers and crowded buses that serve as public transport in the capital.

But the city’s snarling gridlock – in which cars often crawl along at a snail’s pace – has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. That’s partly because many are staying home over lingering fears they will catch the virus.

But for increasing numbers thronging Dhaka’s Bangshal Bike Bazar – home to some 150 speciality stores – pedalling to work or school is becoming the new normal. “Bike sales have grown to a historic high,” said shop owner Mohammad Ibrahim, who now sells nine bicycles a day instead of three. “Most people now avoid buses, taxis or auto rickshaws... (and) buying bicycles as alternatives.”

Salesman Abdus Sobhan said mid-range bicycles selling at 10,000-25,000 taka (£94.5-£236) had sold out. “I think a bicycle would be much safer for my commute,” college student and part-time call-centre worker Toufikul Islam said as he bought a new two-wheeler.

Other major cities are experiencing similar spikes in sales, the Bangladesh Bicycle Merchant Assembling and Importers Association said. “This year... we expect bike sales will double,” association spokesman Mohammad Rasel said.