Halfords Group plc, the UKs leading retailer of automotive and cycling products recently announced its Preliminary Results for the 52 weeks to 2 April ...

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Imports of fatbikes which do not comply with EN standards and road safety regulations has prompted the Dutch bicycle industry organization RAI Association to introduce a new e-bike quality mark. The use of illegal and tweaked fatbikes has caused a major increase in e-bike accidents and a lot of irritation amongst the Dutch public.

BERLIN, Germany - The German industry organisation ZIV rang the alarm bell last January over the upcoming Federal Forest Act which would pose a big threat for mountain and gravel biking in the nation's forests. In the first draft of the act, which was published recently, the right to enter the forest by bicycle remains largely untouched.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission launched an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of bicycles from the People's Republic of China. For this review DG Trade will hold hearings, mail questionnaires to producers and visit companies. The request was submitted by the EBMA (European Bicycle Manufacturers Association) representing the bicycle industry in Europe.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The interinstitutional European Declaration on Cycling was signed on Wednesday 3 April at the Informal Council meeting of Transport Ministers led by the Belgian EU presidency at Egmont Palace in Brussels. The European Declaration on Cycling is the most ambitious EU-level policy initiative on cycling to date, recognising cycling as a strategic priority and acknowledging its power to generate enormous benefits for Europe.

BERLIN, Germany - Increasing regulatory challenges are once again placing a heavy burden on manufacturers of bicycles, components and accessories in 2024, states the Germany industry association ZIV. In his 2024 outlook, ZIV head Burkhard Stork calls for a more consistent industry policy on all national and EU levels.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission has widened the State aid rules to make it easier to subsidise the battery industry and raw materials recycling in the EU. The announced public financial aid could foster batteries for industry and for cars, as well as for e-bikes or other light means of transport (LMT batteries).

BRUSSELS, Belgium - LEVA-EU sees the exclusion of all vehicles for the transport of goods and persons from the new Machinery Directive as proposed by the European Commission as a step towards specific technical legislation for light electric vehicles.

DANA POINT, US - The Bicycle Leadership Conference stands as the foremost bicycle industry event gathering in the US for leaders to learn, network, and grow cycling and the bike business. The 2023 edition, held in March, was a positive event attended by some 270 industry leaders. Funding to support the growth of the industry and the impact of e-bikes were the main discussion points.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group has announced the takeover of Stages Cycling from its owner companies, some of which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June. Giant Group's US subsidiary, SPIA Cycling Inc. finally got hold of Stages Cycling with a winning bid of US$20.1 million (€18 million).

BAUNACH, Germany - Cycle Force Group, LLC has been acquired by Messingschlager GmbH & Co.KG. The sale closed on December 31st, 2021. "We are very excited to drive our international expansion in the world's most likely biggest growth market with our well known and trusted partner Cycle Force Group,"

ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE, France - Grégory Trébaol, founder of the Rebirth Group, has become the new owner of Cycleurope Industries SAS based in Romilly-sur-Seine, France after the Grimaldi Group decided to divest this unit. In this interview with Bike Europe, the executive explains why he wanted to acquire Cycleurope's factory in France. He also discusses the strategy and investments planned for the next two years.

In the cycling industry, the importance of selecting high-quality components cannot be overstated. These elements are essential not only for achieving optimal performance but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. One company making its mark in this space is Rotor, known for its focus on precision and innovation in designing and manufacturing components. By prioritizing quality and functionality, Rotor contributes to the success of the leading bike brands in the industry.

Ten years may not seem very long in the bicycle industry but in many ways, BESV began long before 2014. The premium e-bike brand was started by the CEO of the Darfon Group, sharing in its legacy of eco-friendly electronics design.

PARIS, France -Peugeot Cycles presented a new range of e-bikes during the Pro Days in Paris earlier this year. The three models have been developed by Beweel, a start-up company in which the Stellantis Group (owner of Peugeot) is a minority shareholder. Beweel has designed and will market this range. A Beweel App has also been developed to allow users to manage the drive system and collect data.

PentaLock, a pioneer in advanced bike security solutions, introduces their latest innovation: the Adaptive Drive digital torque sensor. This technology is integrated into PentaLock's all-in-one bottom bracket replacement.

Lightness, compactness and power find their maximum expression in C90A, the first totally 'Made in Italy' e-MTB power unit, ready to be customised according to customer needs.

SunRace Sturmey-Archer comes with a new product: in 2024, they will release a series of comprehensive e-bike systems, applicable to many different types of bikes. These systems, called the i-systems, are the next big development after the three-speed sportshifter that the brand became famous for.

From software solutions to heavy-working equipment, B2B subscription services have become increasingly popular in recent years. Over and above the traditional sales model, start-up Okawa's drive units are also available for its partners via subscription. We take a closer look at the new company that has set up its European headquarters in the Netherlands.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - The provisional agreement on the overhaul of the EU battery regulations is an important step to provide more clarity for the future. In a series of reports, e-bike battery expert James Post, will address the problems and solutions on making batteries safe in an affordable way. He will also discuss the chip supply chain crisis.