Rosie Burgin

TAIPEI, Taiwan - After two days of intense discussions, an international panel of experts in the field of bicycles and design have selected the winners of the Taipei Cycle d&i awards 2023 from almost 140 submissions. The winners will be crowned prior to Taipei Cycle 2023 on 21 March.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - "Super", "Amazing", "Best event ever"; these were some of the comments from exhibitors at Velofollies last weekend. Signs of market disruptions, cash flow problems or inventory worries were far from centre stage at the main tradeshow for the Benelux which was returning following a 2-year absence. Could this outpouring of optimism be masking the real problems in the industry?

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Cargoroo has raised a sum of ten million euros from investors to support the growth of its shared e-cargobike concept. Having established a presence in multiple Dutch cities as well as 2 cities in Belgium and Berlin, the new investment will be used to support launches in more European cities across Germany and a market entrance in France.

MORGAN HILL, US - The announcement that US brand Specialized is saying goodbye to 8% of its global workforce, is a new sign that the bike industry has a turbulent few months ahead. European lay offs have been confirmed by the company, but no specific details are given.

KARLSTEIN AM MAIN, Germany - The international battery industry will meet again at the Battery Experts Forum in 2023. This year the event will take place from 7-9 November in Darmstadt, Germany the organisers BMZ have announced. After coinciding with Eurobike in Frankfurt in 2022, the 18th edition of the event returns as a stand-alone 3-day event.

REDDITCH, UK - In its latest financial statement, UK bicycle retailer Halfords reports that cycling sales have dropped to pre-covid levels. Despite stating that "overall revenues are outperforming the market," the cycling division is down 20% year on year to date.

SUZHOU, China - To support the growth in the e-bike market in Europe, battery manufacturer Phylion has two new additions to its product range - a 21700 battery cell solution and a self-developed dual battery solution. The company is also hinting at new production bases in Europe.

SHANGHAI, China - With the theme 'Safer, smarter, lower carbon' the 31st China Cycle show will be held from May 5-8, 2023 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Despite travel restrictions easing, the organisers are also organising online events for those unable to attend in person.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The chairman of KMC, Robert Wu, has been elected as chairman of Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA). He takes over the role from Michael Tseng. Wu has been part of the TBA for many years, actively participating as executive director. Tseng has been appointed honorary chairman of the TBA.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - 2022 continued on a high for e-bike and bicycle manufacturers and retailers as the pandemic continued to push demand. But as the year draws to a close and eyes look to the future, a more uneasy feeling is settling over the industry as inventory becomes the hot topic. Bike Europe looks back on the main stories which attracted interest this year…