More people in Turkey have turned to bicycles as a mode of transportation since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a domestic bicycle producer.

Bayram Akgül, deputy chairman of the Turkey Bicycle Federation, said sales have spiked.

People are afraid to use mass transportation due to the highly infectious nature of the virus. "The virus has increased the interest in bicycles, and people find it a healthy alternative, also due to the closure of gyms," said Akgül. Akgül, who is also the CEO of Salcano, said exports have also increased due to a rise in demand for bicycles abroad.

"There is an increase in bicycle exports that makes us happy. Demand from abroad, especially from the U.K., has increased," he added.

He predicted that this trend will continue even once the pandemic ends. Akgül said they took all measures to curb the spread of the virus in their factory in Turkey. "We closed the factory for two weeks when the cases were too high. We have adopted all social distancing measures during this period of time," he added.

On the occasion of World Bicycle Day on June 3, Akgül said bicycles should remain on the world’s agenda.

"I think this year is important for bicycle lovers, but we had no chance to plan activities due to the pandemic. However, it will be good to announce activities on social media," he said.