Pandemic-fatigue is setting in for many and some community members are hoping to get out of the house and peddle away their stress.
Central Coast bike shop owners say they have been seeing high numbers of customers and visitors to their stores during the pandemic, many looking to purchase a bike of their own.
Bike Kitchen manager, Daniel Asl says since the pandemic started, the interest has been high for cycling outdoors.
“It’s been a little bit tricky trying to keep up the demand for bikes because it is very very popular," Asl said.
Danny Martinez, owner of Village Bike Shop in Arroyo Grande, also said he has been experiencing high demand for bike service and sales.
“We find ourselves logging into computers super early in the morning and just seeing what our suppliers have and just kind of getting what [we] can because the demand is still there so we are just trying to supply and get people back on the road,” Martinez said.
According to a survey released by Trek Bicycles and research firm Engine Insights, nearly 2/3 of Americans (63%) feel bike riding helps to relieve stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you weren't an avid bicycler before the pandemic, many have picked up the outdoor activity since as a way to get out of the house.
“This is a great way to spend time together and have fun, we have baskets for our bikes so this is a great way to stay healthy and do something together," San Luis Obispo resident Christina Nystrom said.
According to market research firm, NPD Group, the U.S. cycling industry overall saw sales reach one billion dollars in April, up 75% year over year.
