Polish Bike Industry Association Founded

LODZ, Poland – Representatives from numerous Polish bike companies have recently founded the ‘Polish Cycle Association’. Pictured here is the Board Committee of the new association (from left): Piotr Tokarz, Zbigniew Sosnowski (vice chairman), Jan Zasada (chairman), Miłosz Kedracki and Krzysztof Dylewski.

According to Zbigniew Sosnowski, President of Kross, which is one of the biggest bike makers in Poland, the new association should use the experience of the Dutch and German bicycle business organisations; should focus on issues important for bike manufacturing and because of that should not include importers and or dealers as members.
  
The Polish Cycle Association was officially founded at a last December held meeting for which 27 Polish bike companies were invited. 26 representatives from these companies took part in the meeting that was organized by Kross president Sosnowski and Jan Zasada, president of Zasada Rowery.

In his opening speech Zasada said that competition on the Polish bike market between manufacturers and importers is intensifying. Because of that, he stipulated, the idea to apply for protection of the Polish bike makers emerged. Sosnowski added that it was not a coincidence that all the participants of the meeting mainly represented manufacturers.

After proposing the goals of the new association as well as an action plan for next six months, the participants voted in favour of founding the Polish Cycle Association which will be located in the city of Lodz.

At a further discussion on the goals of the association, it was agreed that it will lobby for the growth of Polish cycling and the Polish bike market; for the development of a bike infrastructure as well as actions towards a further increase of road safety for cyclists. Next to that the association will collect and publish statistical information on the Polish bike market. Monitoring the international markets as well as rules & regulations that apply to bicycles are also included as goals of the new association. The same goes for the development of new technologies and technical standards, contacts with government institutions and NGOs regarding the bike trade in Poland as well as the organisation of exhibitions, shows and events. Finally, the new association also has to establish a Polish bike trade website.

The 26 participants in the meeting elected as members of the Board Committee of the Polish Cycle Association: Jan Zasada (chairman), Zbigniew Sosnowski (vice chairman), Miłosz Kedracki, Krzysztof Dylewski and Piotr Tokarz as Board members.