Taiwan is future-focused, that much was apparent to attendees of the Taipei Cycle Show 2026. But beneath the optimism, export declines and changing production chains show the nation's bicycle sector is in transition. Production value is increasingly generated beyond Taiwan's borders, as manufacturing shifts to neighbouring markets such as China, Vietnam and Europe through Taiwanese-led supply chains.

Decathlon S.A. reported steady growth in 2025, even as market development across the sporting goods and bicycle sectors remained uneven. The French retailer reports increased revenue and profitability. At the same time, limited disclosure around category-level performance, especially in cycling, leaves open questions about where that growth is coming from and how sustainable it may be.

Pragma Industries, known for its pioneering technology in hydrogen-powered bicycles, has filed for liquidation. This move, while not entirely unpredictable given the company's admitted difficulties last year, brings an abrupt end to more than two decades of work in the fuel-cell mobility sector.

When it comes to migrant workers in Taiwan, a core issue is how the country's domestic labour laws don't align with international standards, but measures are being taken to adjust this. "As an exporting nation, meeting international standards is our mission and our obligation," said Giant Group and Bicycle Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) Chairman Young Liu during his opening statement at the ESG Forum during Taipei Cycle Show.

The lack of verified data on cycling's role in the wider mobility sector is starting to weigh heavily on the industry. The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035) could be the next moment for the bicycle industry to claim a larger space within mobility. But what can the industry add to these meetings? No verified data is available on the role of cycling in mobility. The WBIA (World Bicycle Industry Alliance) meeting during the Taipei Cycle Show gave some clarifications.

As Europe continues to see widespread adoption of the bike-leasing model, the development of two new programs shows how the model is diversifying. The standardised bike-leasing format has taken over corporate offices, offering employees an alternative path to bike ownership with swanky new e-bikes for a reduced overall cost.

Skip the flowers, chocolates and spa gifts this International Women's Day.

From late September 2025 through early 2026, the bicycle industry saw an unprecedented wave of human rights-related actions centred on Taiwan. The United States government's import ban on Giant products made in Taiwan triggered not only rapid remediation and reimbursements, but a broader shift toward systemic human rights due diligence in Taiwan's bicycle supply chain. Bike Europe takes stock of the changes.

Norwegian start-up tyre manufacturer, ReTyre, has announced a series of positive developments reinforcing its rapid momentum. The company has secured €7 million in new funding in a round led by Hatch Blue's Blue Revolution Fund, with participation from Fundracer and existing investors. The investment is intended to scale production, fulfil existing orders and move the company toward profitability.

MUNICH, Germany - Following the successful launch of the trade-in portal in e-bike refurbisher Rebike Mobility GmbH's own flagship stores in Frankfurt and Munich, the onboarding of other major IBDs is now beginning. While the nationwide rollout is in preparation, an international scaling is already in the pipeline.

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA, Italy - Selle Royal Group and Stardue Group have joined forces to establish a new foundation to generate a positive and lasting impact on the community. This organisation, called Stravarda Foundation, will develop a project that places the bicycle at the centre as a tool for social, cultural, and environmental growth.

While the long-awaited GPSR guidelines have finally appeared, offering disappointingly little clarity, the next regulation is already lining up for everyone involved in selling products in the EU: the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will start to apply from 12 August 2026, with many design and documentation obligations ramping up further between 2026 and 2030. Just as companies are still implementing the GPSR, the PPWR is already demanding attention.

TALLINN, Estonia - Vok Bikes has secured a new production line at the Refactory plant of Renault Group to scale the manufacturing of its next-generation electric commercial cargo bikes. Starting in 2026, mass production of Vok Bikes will take place at the car maker's plant in Flins, France, which is its flagship circular economy and sustainable manufacturing hub.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Is attention for sustainability in the cycling industry slowly declining? 75% of industry representatives say their company is taking a strategic approach to climate action, down from 80% last year. At the same time, 85% of the respondents report that reducing climate impacts is part of their product design and development. Over a third of companies have conducted at least one Life Cycle Assessment. This reflects a shift from isolated initiatives to integrating sustainability into core business practices. These are some of the key findings of the 2025 climate action pulse check for the cycling industry.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In the wake of forced labour accusations from the United States, Giant Group is extending its 'Zero Recruitment Fee Policy'. Originally in effect from January 1, 2025, this will now apply to all migrant workers currently employed at the company in Taiwan. "This latest expansion reflects the Group's ongoing institutionalisation and practices of human rights protection and fair employment," the company states.

POZZOLEONE, Italy - Sustainability, production efficiency and manufacturing in Europe spurred investments at the Selle Royal Group in recent years. The Stracciatella project, launched in November 2024, was a big step forward in sustainability, but also in quality control. During a visit, Bike Europe got all the details on this project and more.

PARIS, France - This was the question looking to be answered at the recently held Summit Series in Paris, supported by CIE's Women in Cycling expert group. The event, focusing on the retention and recruitment of women in the bicycle industry, hoped to 'lead the change' in correcting the current imbalance in the sector. With cross-spectrum representatives from industry and academia present, the conclusion was that progress is slow, and opportunities are being missed.

As the EU introduces tougher battery regulations, Bafang sets the bar for e-bike battery safety and sustainability with advanced-level testing, automotive-grade BMS, and eco-focused design. The company strives to deliver durability, performance, and trust for a safer, greener, and more reliable e-mobility future.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The results are in for Giant Group's 2024 sustainability and ethical impacts, and the company is reporting reduced emissions and increased solar power across the board, with some notable caveats. Giant Group, home of Giant, Liv, Momentum and Cadex bike brands, has been advancing its ESG commitments in a three-pronged approach since 2022: innovating a clean future, transforming for circularity and mobilizing for DEI.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Human rights have become a key issue in industrial practices, progressing from a moral inclination to a regulatory necessity. This change is also taking place in the bicycle industry. The issue came to the forefront earlier this year when allegations of mistreatment of migrant workers in the Taiwanese bicycle industry surfaced. The Taipei Cycle show in March offered Bike Europe the opportunity to take stock of what is currently at play in Taiwan.

REICHSHOF, Germany - Schwalbe owner Ralf Bohle GmbH and Pyrum Innovations AG have concluded a framework agreement for the long-term purchase of Pyrum's recovered carbon black (rcb). The agreement covers the purchase of rcb at a fixed price for the next 10 years.