India Cycling Market Outlook to 2030

India Cycling Market Overview

• India Cycling Market is valued at USD 3 billion, driven primarily by the growing awareness of health and fitness among urban populations. The adoption of cycling as a fitness activity has surged due to rising health concerns, traffic congestion, and the need for eco-friendly transportation options. A recent analysis highlights that cycling initiatives by local governments are further accelerating growth in this sector, enhancing the market's reach across metropolitan areas.
• Key cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi dominate the India Cycling Market due to their substantial investments in cycling infrastructure and a strong presence of fitness-conscious populations. These cities have invested in dedicated cycling lanes, urban mobility projects, and initiatives promoting eco-friendly transportation, positioning them as leaders in the national cycling market.
• India's urban mobility plans are increasingly supportive of non-motorized transport, including cycling. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs allocated USD 53.5 million in 2023 to support cities in developing integrated cycling lanes and parking facilities. With metro cities like Mumbai and Kolkata incorporating cycling pathways in public transit designs, the accessibility of cycling is anticipated to grow, benefiting the overall cycling market. These initiatives reinforce the role of cycling as a sustainable mode within urban transport frameworks.

India Cycling Market Segmentation

By Bicycle Type: The India Cycling Market is segmented by bicycle type into road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and e-bikes. Among these, road bikes maintain a dominant share due to their widespread popularity for urban commuting and recreational riding. With their lightweight frames and durability, road bikes are particularly favored in urban areas with infrastructure catering to smooth, paved paths.

By Age Group: The market segmentation by age group includes children, adults, and seniors. The adult segment leads in market share due to the growing adoption of cycling for both commuting and fitness. Many adults view cycling as a sustainable, cost-effective commuting option, which has led to a significant increase in demand within this demographic.

India Cycling Market Competitive Landscape

The India Cycling Market is characterized by prominent players who bring diverse product offerings and innovative features to the sector. The market is led by companies such as Hero Cycles and Firefox Bikes, whose extensive distribution networks and brand presence provide them with a competitive edge. This consolidation emphasizes the influence of established companies in shaping market trends and consumer preferences.

India Cycling Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Fitness and Health Awareness: The growing emphasis on fitness and health in India has driven a considerable increase in cycling adoption. In 2024, an estimated 200 million people in India are affected by lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, according to government health reports, motivating citizens to pursue active lifestyles, including cycling as a preventive health measure. This shift towards fitness has translated into higher demand for bicycles, particularly in urban areas where health-focused activities have gained popularity. Health ministries advocate for cycling as a cost-effective way to improve public health outcomes and decrease the burden on healthcare systems.
• Urban Infrastructure Development: Indian cities are gradually developing urban infrastructure to promote cycling. For example, Pune and Bengaluru have dedicated 500 km and 400 km of cycling lanes, respectively, as part of their urban mobility initiatives in 2023. By promoting dedicated cycling lanes and integrating cycle-sharing programs, cities aim to reduce congestion and improve urban air quality. These developments encourage urban residents to adopt bicycles for commuting. Furthermore, the Ministry of Urban Development projects that additional cycling lanes will expand across major cities, indicating an increase in cycling-friendly urban areas.
• Rise in Sustainable Transportation: Transport data indicates that around 30 million tons of CO emissions are contributed by road transportation annually, and cycling helps reduce this environmental impact. In 2024, cycling became a preferred alternative to private vehicles, particularly in tier-1 cities with high pollution levels. Government policies like the National Clean Air Program encourage citizens to adopt eco-friendly transportation options to lower emissions. This aligns with India's commitment to achieving a reduction of 1 billion tons of CO by 2030.

Challenges

• Road Safety Concerns: India reported over 150,000 road fatalities in 2023, with cyclists making up a significant percentage of these accidents, highlighting the need for safer cycling infrastructure. Due to limited dedicated cycling lanes and safety measures in many cities, cyclists face higher risks on congested roads, which deters new users. The absence of protective infrastructure remains a critical concern, impacting the growth of cycling adoption among individuals who prioritize road safety. This barrier necessitates enhanced infrastructure to support safer cycling environments.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Indias cycling infrastructure lags behind other transportation modes, with only a few cities implementing comprehensive cycling lanes. For example, while Delhi has 400 km of cycle tracks, the network is often discontinuous and underutilized due to poorly maintained paths. In 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs highlighted that fewer than 10% of urban roads are equipped with cycling lanes, hindering the adoption of bicycles in densely populated urban centers. This lack of well-planned infrastructure restricts cycling to recreational areas, reducing its potential as a viable commuting option.

India Cycling Market Future Outlook

India Cycling Market is expected to witness significant growth driven by government policies promoting eco-friendly transport and the expansion of urban cycling infrastructure. The shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable commuting solutions, coupled with the increasing integration of technology in e-bikes, is likely to create new growth avenues for the market.

Market Opportunities

• Government Cycling Initiatives: The Indian government has rolled out multiple cycling initiatives, like the Cycle4Change Challenge, to encourage cycling in urban areas. Over 100 cities registered for this initiative in 2024, implementing changes to make cycling more accessible. For instance, Bhopal and Chennai are creating bike-sharing programs in association with public transportation networks to ease last-mile connectivity. Such government-backed programs signal a growing support for cycling, which enhances market opportunities, especially for manufacturers and service providers that cater to urban cycling infrastructure and shared mobility solutions.
• Eco-Friendly Transportation Options: Indias shift towards eco-friendly transportation aligns with global sustainability goals, creating growth potential in the cycling market. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, promoting cycling could save approximately 7 million liters of fuel per year across urban India. This shift also aligns with India's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions. This eco-conscious trend is favorable for the cycling market as more citizens turn to bicycles as a low-impact commuting option.