Türkiye fourth in European bicycle production as domestic demand lags

Türkiye has emerged as the fourth-largest bicycle producer in Europe while ranking sixth in overall sales across the continent, according to industry data released by the World Bicycle Industry Association on Wednesday. Speaking to Anadolu on the occasion of World Bicycle Day, WBIA President Bayram Akgul stated that the country manufactured 1.38 million units of bicycles and e-bikes in 2024, placing it alongside Portugal, Italy, and Germany among Europe's top manufacturers.

Europe has remained the largest destination for Turkish exports, led by Germany as well as the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Scandinavian countries, Akgul said. He noted that domestic demand continues to lag behind production capacity, with the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry reporting last year that while Türkiye's manufacturing capability is strong, it is not sufficiently reflected in the domestic market.

Infrastructure gaps and urban mobility

Akgul identified the lack of safe and uninterrupted bike paths as the primary obstacle preventing Türkiye from closing the gap between its manufacturing capacity and domestic uptake. Around 50% of citizens say they would use bicycles for short distances if roads were safe, he noted, adding that 30% of trips in major cities are under 3 miles — distances suitable for e-bikes that could reduce traffic congestion by 40–45% in crowded corridors according to European examples.

Energy savings and policy gaps

The WBIA president stated that promoting cycling could significantly reduce Türkiye's $65 billion annual energy import bill, much of which stems from transportation sector fuel consumption. Despite groundwork laid by the Health Ministry's 2015-2018 cycling initiative and the Environment Ministry's path network master plan, no incentive mechanism currently exists for e-bike purchases — leaving safe infrastructure and purchase subsidies as the industry's top priority, he added.