AICMA Predicts Bicycle Demand by 2010 to be at 20 million

NEW DELHI, India (Dec 6) - Citing spiralling oil prices, environmental pollution and increasing congestion on roads as reasons for increasing demand of bicycles in India, domestic manufacturers have predicted a demand of 20 million bicycles in the country by 2010. The Indian bicycle industry has already reached a production target of 1.4 million units during 2004-05, according to the All India Cycle Manufacturers' Association (AICMA). The association held its 19th Annual General Meeting yesterday. Outlining the future growth prospects of the domestic bicycle industry, outgoing AICMA President Vikram Kapur said, there is a phenomenal growth in the ‘fancy’ models of bicycles and most of the leading manufacturers have invested in world class R&D. Bicycle manufacturers at the AGM urged the Centre as well as the state governments to build separate bicycle tracks in major cities to ensure the safety of cyclists. Meanwhile, Avon Cycles Director Onkar Singh Pahwa was elected President of the AICMA and TI Cycles President G Ramprasad was chosen as the vice President of the Association.