UK cycling market returns to growth after 4 years of decline
It’s been a while: The UK cycling market returned to growth in 2025, with total market value up 5% year-on-year – the first annual growth since 2020 following four years of post-pandemic decline.
That’s the verdict from the Bicycle Association’s annual market report, thought to cover 70% of the market by volume and focusing on retail sales.
Those increasing sales volumes affected four core categories: mechanical bikes (+6%), eBikes (+2%), parts, accessories and components (PAC) and services (8%) – the latter an area also picked out in the recent stats from Germany’s bike market.
In not-surprising-but-good-to-confirm findings, the exceptionally favourable spring and summer 2025 weather was a growth driver: The BA noted a “revival in mainstream, recreational and family cycling”.
UK market reaches £1.9 billion
The total UK cycling market is estimated to have reached just under £1.9 billion in 2025, close to 2022 levels after several years of decline. (Note: For those wishing to judge the UK cycle market’s value on the UK economy, we’re obliged to point out that £1.9 billion does not take into account the vast savings delivered to the nation’s health through activity and less air pollution, or side industries. For more on that, head here).
Bronwyn Benstead, Bicycle Association’s Commercial & Insights Manager, said: “The past few years have been a period of significant adjustment for the cycling industry following the extraordinary demand seen during the pandemic. While the market remains challenging, the BA’s data, and future forecasts, suggest that the sector may be approaching a turning point, with early signs of stabilisation and opportunities for growth as businesses adapt to changing consumer demand. Encouragingly, we’re also seeing a recovery in children’s cycling, which is a positive signal for the long-term health of the industry.”
The BA recently announced at COREbike the redevelopment of its Essential Market Data Service. The service will be available to retailers at no charge in exchange for contributing their sales data.
Alongside the upcoming launch of the service in Germany this April, in partnership with ZIV, it is an exciting time for MDS, we’re informed. With expansion into new territories and further development of the taxonomy and tools within the platform planned, these improvements will enrich the experience and enhance the data available to all users. To purchase the 2025 Annual Report, visit: https://bicycleassociation.org.uk/shop/product/18
