The Ever Given may remain stuck for several weeks, and with it large numbers of bikes and parts
Translated by Thomas Ansell
As reported by the Omrop Fryslân, the interconnectedness of globalised trade via shipping has meant that the current Suez Canal blockage in Egypt is affecting cyclists in Appelscha, Friesland. With large numbers of bicycles made across Asia for sale in the Netherlands, a bike shop owned by Hendrik Jan Kramer in Appelscha (Gemeente Ooststellingwerf) now has a shortage of certain models.
Bike Totaal Kramer also saw disruption to its stock supply last year, as the Coronavirus caused several factories to close: “there are bikes that have to wait a month and a half for their repairs because we’re waiting for parts to be delivered. Also we have issues with producers of whole bikes, we have no mountain bikes left in our shop!” says Kramer.
Sales of bikes, though, have been on the up due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with more people purchasing new bikes to enjoy the countryside on. Indeed, in order to make sure that there are bikes in stock in the coming seasons, Kramer is already placing orders for summer 2022.
