Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Greeks Turn to Bikes to Weather Economic Storm

Today on the Network, Reno Rambler links to a Reuters story, via the Huffington Post, on how economic upheaval in Greece has led to a dramatic shift in how many get around.

Thousands of Greeks are turning to bikes to help weather the crisis, and while unemployment is at 20 percent, the bike business is booming:

false

The high cost of road tax, fuel and repairs is forcing Greeks to ditch their cars in huge numbers. According to the government's statistics office, the number of cars on Greek roads declined by more than 40 percent in each of the last two years. Meanwhile, more than 200,000 bikes were sold in 2011, up about a quarter from the previous year.

Shops selling bicycles, and equipment ranging from helmets to knee pads, are spreading fast across the capital, popping up even between souvenir shops on the cobbled pedestrian streets of the touristy Plaka district.

"They're sprouting up like mushrooms," said [Giorgos] Vogiatzis, who designs and builds tailor-made bicycles in his workshop on the Aegean island of Rhodes.

A former cyclist on Greece's national team, Vogiatzis opened his business in the mid-80s, combining his love for drawing and mathematics, but only recently watched sales boom from a modest 40 bikes a year to over 350.

"There's no more money for luxuries and that helps," said Vogiatzis, who works away furiously with two other staff to meet demand for all sorts of bikes -- some lavishly hand-painted in glitter, others flaunting the Greek flag.

A far cry from the shuttered shopfronts in the capital that have become a painful reminder of the country's worst downturn since World War Two, bike shop owners estimate that at least one store opened every month in 2011.

Vogiatzis laughed: "Every neighbourhood has its bike shop just as it's got its kebab shop."

Elsewhere on the Network today: The League of American Bicyclists breaks down MAP-21 funding state by state; Greater Greater Washington has proposals on how to reduce the public stigma surrounding automated traffic enforcement; and Urban Review STL looks at the problem of mobility scooters that aren't designed for use on buses.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

State DOT Partially Backs Off Cross Bronx Expwy. Expansion

Advocates are still concerned about a project that will widen five bridges and create a temporary roadway.

September 2, 2025

Instacart Now Claims it ‘Supports’ Worker Minimum Wage That It Fought To Defeat; Experts See ‘Corporate Spin’

After an all-out campaign against a minimum wage for its workers, Instacart now claims it "supports" the bill. But that's just "a flat-out lie," said one worker advocate.

September 2, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Jerry, We Hardly Knew Ye Edition

Finally, an honorable pol makes the choice to retire before everyone grows to hate him. Plus other news.

September 2, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Closed for Labor Day Edition

It's time for the best parade of the year. Plus the weekend's news (so far).

September 1, 2025

SEE IT: Cops Violently Arrest Teen Riding Citi Bike in Alphabet City

Three cops slammed a teenager to the ground, pulled his hair and knelt on his head — for allegedly riding a Citi Bike "in a reckless manner."

August 29, 2025

‘Pedestrianize’ the Financial District, Lower Manhattan Council Member Says

Downtown Council Member Chris Marte says the city refuses to launch a $500K downtown pedestrianization study funded by his predecessor.

August 29, 2025
See all posts