Bikes in high demand during pandemic

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- Biking is a popular form of exercise and has become even more popular recently. Bike shops say they’re having a hard time keeping bikes on the sales floor due to the increasing demand.

Local bike shops are reporting twice as many bikes being sold in April and May of this year, during the pandemic, as there were during the same time period last year.

In addition, a large list of bikes are currently on back order locally due to suppliers struggling to fill orders across the country.

A local eatery called the Bike Rack Bistro is full of bike décor. Co-owner Patrick Folker said he’s glad the wheels are turning on the interest of biking.

“I think it’s kind of neat. It’s just one of those weird incidences that you don’t really plan on happening,” Folker said.

The bikes on display are used to add to the atmosphere of the bistro. As far as the shortage, Folker said he has a handle on the situation, as he’s even loaned out some of his display bikes.

“Throughout the years, I’ve just collected old bicycles. Now, people are calling me asking about bicycles. I do some minor maintenance to it to get them on the road,” Folker said.

While the bike sales are good for business, Folker said this is a possible chance to do even more for the biking community.

“Because of the bicycle craze, we’re looking into helping cyclists out in a much more dynamic way. Not just giving them a bicycle and sending them on their way, but really helping them find the right bicycle and bike fitting,” Folker said.

Folker said it’s a great time to be a bike themed restaurant, and he’s hoping more bikers take a break at his bistro.

“Every good restaurant needs a good theme. We got lucky that a bicycle theme is so popular nowadays,” Folker said.