India's Bicycle Economy
India's Bicycle Industry
How India became the world's second largest bicycle producer after China, who buys bicycles, and why the industry matters for mobility and jobs.
India is the world’s second largest bicycle producer, after China.
Production
India makes over 1 crore (10 million) bicycles a year.
Who buys
- Rural families and workers.
- Students, often through government schemes.
- Urban fitness riders.
Cluster
Most bicycles and parts are made in Ludhiana, Punjab.
Jobs
The industry supports many small parts makers.
Challenges
- Rising motorbike ownership.
- Chinese competition in premium bikes.
The farm bicycle
A farmer rides a sturdy black roadster bicycle to the market, carrying vegetables on its carrier.
Thinking bicycles are only for leisure in India
Many rely on them for work and school.
Key takeaways
- India is the second largest bicycle producer.
- It makes over 10 million a year.
- Ludhiana is the main cluster.
- Motorbikes and Chinese imports compete.
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