Rosie Burgin

REDDITCH, England - With a current strategy of "controlling the controllables," the UK's largest bicycle retailer Halfords continues to face challenging conditions. With poor weather conditions in spring and summer affecting sales, the retailer failed to meet pre-COVID sales levels in its cycling department in the first 26 weeks of the current financial year which started 1 April.

KATOWICE, Poland - Technical expertise and efficiency take centre stage at one of the sppot's BIG3 events - Get Technical. This year, the event will be hosted by partners, Wagner, in Poland from November 20th to 21st.Wagner will also open its doors to its new state-of-the art-facility.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Dutch Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) framework has been postponed once more, according to the RAI Association, the professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers in the Netherlands. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the framework is now delayed until July 2025. Implementation of the new framework will have implications for amongst others, e-cargobike users in the country.

MUNICH, Germany - A premium pre-owned marketplace for bicycles is one thing, but Buycycle is now going one step further with the launch of a full range of pre-owned bike components on its platform. This move aims to fill a gap in the second-hand cycling market, making it easier for cyclists to buy and sell essential parts, the company states.

MILAN, Italy - Dutch bicycle manufacturer Accell Group painted a rosy picture in October when it announced it had improved its financial position and reduced its corporate debt in agreement with its financial stakeholders. But seeing as this financial restructuring is not due for completion until February 2025, credit ratings agency Moody's has downgraded Accell Group, citing "a very high likelihood of a default occurring over the next 6 months."

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Bike subscription service Swapfiets, will celebrate its ten-year anniversary on November 7. Under the guidance of Pon Holding's investment company Ponooc since 2018, the company has grown to have over 270,000 members across Europe. Although, still striving for profitability, the B Corp-certified scale-up is working hard towards creating a 100% circular bicycle.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Despite continued difficulties in the market, exhibitor booth spaces for Taipei Cycle 2025 have officially been filled and a waitlist has been opened. Being held from 26-29 March the event will continue its focus on sustainability.

VIENNA, Austria - Children and youth bike manufacturer Woom has appointed Bernd Hake as CEO. He succeeds Paul Fattinger, who is leaving by mutual agreement after three years in charge. According to the company, the change in management is a further step in its development from a start-up to an established international brand.

BEVERWIJK, The Netherlands - Dutch e-bike and electric cargo bike manufacturer Optima Cycles has acquired compatriot Dolly Bikes, which focuses on the high-end e-cargobike segment. With this strategic acquisition, Optima Cycles, known for the brands Dutch ID and Lovens, aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric cargo bike market and create new growth opportunities.

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - 80% of bicycle industry representatives in a recent survey stated that their companies are taking a strategic approach to climate action, with 35% having made considerable progress and are able to track their results. This is a key finding of the first edition of the Climate Action Pulse Check, a global survey that will function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. However, consumers are less optimistic at the progress gained.