The true costs of our mobility choices
Economy
EN Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Est consectetur molestiae est praesentium minima aut quos quam.
Discover all 3 subjects of the thematic
1
Bike Industry in Quebec
If biking is known as a means of transportation and an activity, it also represents a significant industry. Whether they make bikes, accessories, equipment, or clothing, various businesses contribute to the national economy. Furthermore, many companies based in Quebec distinguish themselves at the international level for their know-how, generating important benefits locally.
Biking, an Economic Means of Transportation
Much cheaper to purchase than a car, a bicycle is also far more economical to maintain. Cycling requires no fuel, except for a bit of extra food. For a 70 kg person, the additional energy needed for cycling is estimated at 11 kilocalories per kilometer (roughly equivalent to one tablespoon of maple syrup every 5 kilometers traveled).
Sources: (Biking) Litman, T. (2010). Quantifying the Benefits of Nonmotorized Transportation For Achieving Mobility Management Objectives ajusted for the inflation through the Bank of Canada's tool - (Public Transit/Car) Gauthier, M. (2024). How much does owning a vehicle in Montreal coest in 2024? 68% more than in 2019 on the Hardbacon website
More Bikes than Cars in Quebec
In a climate and health context that calls for a reduction of car usage, the number of vehicles on the road continues to increase each year. Moreover, this growth is faster than that of the population. Nevertheless, the number of bikes per habitant has been steadily increasing in the past 25 years. In fact, the number of bikes in the province is even larger than that of automobiles.
Grab left and right to see full graph. Click on each symbol to see data.
Sources: (Bikes) Aggregated data from the États du vélo from 1995 to 2020 by Vélo Québec, gathered in Poirier, A. and Thiériault, J. (2021). État de la pratique du vélo au Québec en 2020 - (Motorized Vehicles) Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec through the Banque de données des statistiques officielles sur le Québec (Nombre de véhicules en circulation selon le type d'utilisation, le type de véhicule et l'âge du véhicule, Québec et régions administratives)
Annual Bike Sales, a Booming Market
Quebec’s population is pedaling more and more, and the number of bikes per household keeps increasing. Incidentally, more bikes are sold! The number of units sold in 2020 was close to a million, a record that can be partly explained by the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, it is around 600,000 bikes that are sold every year.
Grab left and right to see full graph. Click on each symbol to see data.
Sources: Aggreated data from the États du vélo from 1995 to 2020 by Vélo Québec, gathered in Poirier, A. and Thiériault, J. (2021). État de la pratique du vélo au Québec en 2020
The Rise of Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are gaining in popularity as they become more and more available to households in Quebec. The benefits associated with this type of bike is now well-documented: they allow people to travel further, ride for longer periods of time and carry heavier cargo. Their potential to replace everyday car trips has been also shown for Quebec.
Source: Dtaa gathered for the État du vélo 2020 by Vélo Québec, gathered in Poirier, A. and Thiériault, J. (2021). État de la pratique du vélo au Québec en 2020
A Dynamic Economic Sector
Quebecers are eager to spend when it comes to biking. On average, a household spends $178 for purchases and services related to bikes (purchase of a new bike, maintenance, accessories, clothing, etc.). All in all, the bike industry was one of 565 million dollars in 2020, representing 1/3 of the Canadian market which amounted to 1.5 billion in 2024.
Sources: (Market) Aggregated data from the États du vélo from 1995 to 2020 by Vélo Québec - (Spendings) Dta gathered for the État du vélo 2020 by Vélo Québec, gathered in Poirier, A. and Thiériault, J. (2021). État de la pratique du vélo au Québec en 2020
Bike Industry in Quebec
In Quebec, no cars are made, but the province is home to over 50 companies specialized in bike and bike equipment manufacturing. Sometimes fabricated with aluminum produced in the province, bikes made in Quebec cover a wide range of practices, from road cycling to mountain biking, destined for everyday riders and professionals alike. Globally, a total of 2,400 jobs are supported by bike manufacturing and distribution in Quebec.
22companies were designing and assembling bikes in Quebec in 2024
39local companies were supplying these companies in 2024
198specialized retailers were selling bikes in Quebec in 2024
Manufacturing : 420in Quebec in 2024
Manufacturing and distribution: 2,400jobs in Quebec in 2024
Data sources:
- (Manufacturers/Suppliers) Coop Carbone, Milebox (2024). Analyse de la chaîne d'approvisionnement des vélos électriques au Québec
- (Retailers/Jobs) Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (to be published). Étude sur les retombées économiques du marché du vélo au Québec, Rapport préliminaire.
Credits:
- (Manufacturing) 123ducu/iStock
- (Supplying Network) Tom Austin on Unsplash
- (Jobs) Dusan Petkovic/AdobeStock
Bike manufacturing companies in Quebec - Credits: Coop Carbone, Milebox (2024). Analyse de la chaîne d'approvisionnement des vélos électriques au Québec
Economic and Commercial Benefits
Beyond direct benefits from bike manufacturing and distribution, the bike industry supports many other positive economic impacts. Notably, it contributes to commercial activity and provides job opportunities, from bike infrastructure construction to delivery services. To learn more about these benefits, explore the dedicated webpage.
