The Association of Brands and Bicycles of Spain (AMBE) calls for state aid of between 33 and 127 million euros per year so that more than 500,000 people buy an electric, conventional or cargo bicycle if they receive at least 250 euros of subsidy, which would avoid destroy jobs and close businesses.
This is stated by the AMBE in the report 'Aid for the purchase of bicycles in Spain. Economic impact and the reduction of CO2 emissions', prepared in collaboration with Sport Panel and the European Cyclists Federation (ECF), and presented this Tuesday at a telematic press conference.
More than 180 companies produce bicycles, components and accessories for bicycles in Spain, and this industry directly employs more than 24,000 people. However, the study reflects that the sector will destroy jobs and close companies in 2023 and 2024 if measures are not implemented to encourage demand for the purchase of bicycles, such as direct aid.
“The absence of state aid for the purchase of bicycles in Spain is unique in the European context. A measure that is enormously popular and is effective in reducing emissions and creating local employment must be a priority for the central administration”, commented Jesús Freire, general secretary of AMBE.
According to the report, state aid of between 33 and 127 million euros per year would make it easier for around 500,000 beneficiaries to buy a conventional, electric or cargo bicycle for their daily commutes and would generate a direct impact on the reduction of net CO2 emissions of at least 11,167 tons per year, as well as exceeding 25,000 direct jobs in the sector.
However, AMBE presented examples of 'success stories' in aid for the purchase and repair of bicycles, as well as tax incentives for their acquisition by the Government of Navarra, the Xunta de Galicia, the Elche City Council and the Government of La Rioja .
In addition, AMBE indicates that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of bicycles in Spain prevents almost 1,400 premature deaths per year and generates net health benefits of more than 3,500 million euros per year.
"Promoting the use of the bicycle is a commitment to health and quality of life," said Holger Haubold, Director of Intellectual Property and Data Collection at ECF.
