Retail giant Halfords is recruiting for 1,100 temporary jobs during the festive season amid a surge in demand for bikes.

In its latest results, the company reported a 148% increase in online sales, including a 184% rise in sales of electric bikes.

There has been huge interest in cycling this year as the public seek alternatives to public transport and as a way of keeping fit

The temporary vacancies are in addition to the recruitment of a wide range of permanent service-related jobs across Halford’s stores, Autocentres and mobile vans.

Andy McBride, Halfords’ Group Head of Resourcing, said: “With the public turning to alternatives to public transport, this has led to extra demand for bikes and essential motoring services.”

Of the cycling demand, Paul Tomlinson, cycling director at Halfords, said: “There has been huge interest in cycling this year as the public seek alternatives to public transport and as a way of keeping fit.

“As a result we’ve seen a massive surge in demand and sales of bikes and cycling products.

“We have had tens of thousands of customers on waiting lists for deliveries and this has continued beyond the traditional summer peak, particularly for adult bikes as lockdown continues.

“Kids’ and junior bikes also appear to be one of the most wanted Christmas presents this year.

“We’ve also seen e-bikes perform particularly well as many discover the benefits of a battery-powered bike ride.”