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The BBC reports that 2102, more bicycles were sold than cars 26 of 28 countries the European Union. There appear to be several reasons this growing trend. One is because the recession experienced in many countries the global financial crisis. Many countries introduced austerity measures, which took away the spending power of consumers who might ordinarily have bought a car instead a bicycle. The continuing rise fuel prices is also making motorists think twice about driving. Another reason is that more people are getting cycling. The BBC reports that: "The popularity cycling appears to be going beyond the traditional 'cycling capitals' northern Europe."

A whopping 50 per cent more bicycles were sold than cars. Europeans bought just 12 million cars in 2012, compared to 19.2 million bicycles. Sergio Marchionne, the head the Italian car giant FIAT, said this was a sorry state affairs the car industry, and described it as "carmageddon". Car sales Italy slumped so badly that they were their lowest levels since 1965 – a five-decade low. The head the Italian cycling federation believes there has been, "a small revolution terms of lifestyle". The head of Italian cycling manufacturer Bianchi agreed. He said: "Customers these days want bikes they can commute with, and top--the-range bikes. They are looking long-term investments."