PeopleForBikes has launched America Builds Bikes, a new industry initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for companies to manufacture and assemble bicycles in the United States.

At the center of the initiative is the bipartisan U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act (H.R. 3904), which seeks to reduce tariff barriers on bicycle components imported by companies that manufacture or assemble bicycles in the U.S.

PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice said the initiative is intended to provide companies seeking to expand U.S. production with a more realistic path forward. According to PeopleForBikes, strengthening domestic manufacturing could help build more resilient supply chains, create manufacturing jobs, and support economic growth in communities across the country.

The initiative comes as the U.S. bicycle industry remains heavily dependent on imports. In 1997, approximately 9 million bicycles were produced in the United States, accounting for around 75% of the domestic market. Today, more than 97% of bicycles sold in the U.S. are imported.

PeopleForBikes said some bicycle companies are interested in expanding domestic manufacturing, but high tariffs on components that are not produced domestically at sufficient scale can make U.S. bicycle production economically challenging.

Introduced by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act would establish a 10-year duty-free import period for bicycle components used by companies manufacturing or assembling bicycles in the United States.

The legislation sets a goal of producing 2 million bicycles annually in the U.S. within five years and 5 million annually within 10 years.

As part of the initiative, PeopleForBikes has launched a dedicated online resource featuring an overview of the legislation, the bill text, a downloadable fact sheet, and comments from bicycle companies interested in expanding U.S. production. The website also provides a tool for consumers and industry stakeholders to contact their members of Congress in support of the legislation.

According to PeopleForBikes, America Builds Bikes is the result of months of collaboration among bicycle manufacturers, suppliers, and congressional leaders. The initiative aims to promote bipartisan policy solutions that can strengthen the U.S. bicycle supply chain and create greater opportunities for domestic production.

Photo: PeopleForBikes