March 12, 2009 (Toronto, ON) – The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) has released fourth quarter and year end statistics for the Specialty Bicycle supplier market which confirm that the Canadian industry significantly outperformed their U.S. counterparts, despite the global economic downturn.

The U.S.-based Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) reported a 13% drop in sales by Specialty suppliers for the fourth quarter of 2008, while Canadian suppliers grew 2.2% for the corresponding period. Overall, the U.S. grew a slim 2% in Dollar Sales for all of 2008, and fell 6% in Unit Sales, compared to growth of 9.3% and 6.5% respectively for Canada.

Through their Data Capture program, BTAC tracks sales of bicycle suppliers to the Specialty Bicycle Retailer sector, which provides name brand, higher quality bicycles to the consumer market place. These figures do not include department store/mass merchant sales.
“Canadian suppliers saw an initial sharp downturn in sales in October,” explained

Robert Jones, BTAC’s Director of Data Capture, “but the Specialty sector rallied strongly in November and December to end the year well ahead of the previous year.”

Janet O’Connell, BTAC’s Executive Director, pointed out “This clearly shows the difference between the Canadian and U.S. markets, and the strength of the Specialty Bicycle sector in Canada. Despite the economic conditions, Canadians continue to demand high quality bicycles. The growing demand of Hybrid and Commuter style bikes was particularly strong, reflecting the increased interest of the Canadian consumer for environmentally friendly transportation.”

About the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) – The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) is the national voice of cycling in Canada and the hub of the Canadian bicycle industry. BTAC advocates, builds partnerships, promotes trade and commerce and seeks to motivate, unite and inspire Canadians to make bicycling the pre-eminent form of transportation and recreation in Canada. See www.btac.org for more information.