Last night the first meeting of the Cycling Industry Club took place at Eurobike. According to ECF President Manfred Neun (l.) and Accell CEO René Takens (r.) representatives of leading bicycle industry companies and European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) gathered to discuss future collaboration which will advance pro-bicycle policies across Europe.
Combining the forces of the bicycle business with ECF has been an ambition for some time. Last year’s Eurobike saw CEOs from leading international companies agree on the idea of forming an ECF Cycling Industry Club. Companies involved include Accell Group, DT Swiss, Schwalbe, Selle Royal, SRAM, Trek and Trelock.
Last night’s meeting sought to make the Cycling Industry Club a reality, with an aim to review ECF’s lobby and promotion activities and target Europe for new projects.
SRAM’s CEO Stan Day’s motivation to join the club and to invite other companies to become a member is clear: “We need strong cycling advocacy on all levels, from local to international. ECF is leading advocacy in Brussels and developing advocacy leaders in growing markets.”
René Takens, also recognizes the success of ECF’s efforts: “ECF has achieved substantial progress: the EU now funds projects to realize the completion of the long distance cycle route network EuroVelo. And thanks to ECF, cycling gained an unprecedented global voice this year at the International Transport Forum of 52 transport ministers.” Accell Group and SRAM have provided significant sponsorship of ECF’s projects over the last few years.
Combining efforts in times of austerity is all the more pertinent: “Governments will continue to fund transportation at some level even in shrinking economies. Our job is to show that the smartest use of limited transportation funds is to fund cycling as an essential part of a modern, sustainable transport system”, observes ECF Secretary General Bernhard Ensink. ECF and the eight companies currently involved invite other companies to join the club.
Interested companies should contact ECF President Manfred Neun or Secretary General Bernhard Ensink, via b.ensink@ecf.comor or by phone+32479837905.
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