Yom Kippur a boon for bicycle shops
At least one family member in 20 percent of Israeli households will ride bicycle during Yom Kippur, survey reveals
More than 110,000 Israeli families were planning to purchase bicycles in preparation for Yom Kippur, with the average bike costing NIS 600 (about USD 135,) a survey undertaken ahead of Yom Kippur found.
Over the years, Yom Kippur in Israel has become a popular holiday for youngsters, as many children hit the streets with their bicycles, roller blades and skateboards to take advantage of the vehicle-free environment.
According to a survey carried out by the Rosen and Mintz sporting goods chain, 39 percent will invest no more than NIS 400 (about USD 90) a bicycle, 24 percent will spend between NIS 400 to NIS 1,000 (about USD 225) and only nine percent will pay more than NIS 1,000.
The survey revealed that at least one family member in every fifth household will ride their bicycle on Yom Kippur, the majority of them being children.
For every four families with children under the age of 12 years, at least one child will take their bike out over the holiday.
The bicycle industry in Israel turns an annual profit of NIS 230 million (about USD 50 million,) with about 215, 000 bikes being sold every year.
