August Benelux, owner and distributor of BBB branded bike products is optimizing the cooperation with its dealers. The company is investing in IT which ...

China President Hu Jintao (photo) addressed the much debated issue of the Yuan Renminbi exchange rate at the yesterday closed two-day China-US Strategic ...

LONDON, UK - The total number of bicycles sold in the UK in 2020 reached an estimated 3.3 million units, data from market intelligence agency Mintel has revealed. This is a 22% rise on the 2019 sales. Although e-bikes are yet to play a key role in volume to the same degree as in other European markets, they have pushed the market value over the billion-pound barrier.

LONDON, England - Sales data collected from UK e-bike and bicycle retailers show that the market has taken a huge drop in 2022. With e-bike sales plateauing and regular bike sales dropping 22%, the country's Bicycle Association is calling for action as the market hits a 20-year low.

LONDON, UK - According to the latest statistics published by the UK government, 2020 has shown huge growth in the value of e-bikes imported into the UK. For the first time, the value of e-bikes imported from other EU countries overtook those from outside the EU. In the first nine months of 2020, the total value of e-bike imports already stood at around €109.56 million. This is a 31% hike in value compared to €89.78 million for the full 12 months in 2019.

LONDON, UK - The anti-dumping duty on bicycles and bicycle parts from China in the UK is now also under review. Last May the British Trade Remedies Authority already advised to revoke the anti-dumping duties on China made e-bikes in a preliminary recommendation. In case the same would be suggested for bicycles, it would bring a lot of uncertainty in the UK.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Starting in 2025, products and raw materials contributing to deforestation will need to comply with new regulations. Importers will have to prove that their products, such as rubber used for bicycle tyres, have not contributed to deforestation.

LUDHIANA, India - India is in the midst of framing standards for e-bikes as it aspires to step-up its export to the EU market. But first, the domestic industry needs to gel the local standards to become compatible with European standards.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed the way we shop, allowing us to purchase a wide range of products conveniently from online marketplaces. However, this convenience also brings certain risks, particularly when it comes to product safety.

In my previous blog post, I mentioned that I was in ongoing discussions with the EU Commission about the snag that I found in the new EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). At the time of writing, I am still awaiting a response from the unit responsible for the automotive industry. I can understand that they might need some time to grasp the potential implications of the snag. Coincidentally, I am currently assisting an automotive client in developing a recall procedure.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A provisional agreement on the overhaul of the EU battery regulations has been reached by the European Parliament and Council. The initial proposal was presented in December 2020 by the European Commission. The agreement reached on Friday 9 December still awaits formal approval.

BERLIN, Germany - The German industry association ZIV has taken over the chairmanship of the Cargobikes Working Group at European level. Jointly organised by the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), the working group is concerned with legislation of cargobikes for both private and personal use.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union is after 10 years now at the eve of its largest reform of the EU competition law rules, which will govern the relationships between manufacturers, brands, importers, distributors and retailers throughout another 10-year-period from June 1, 2022 onward.

LONDON, UK - The pandemic has prompted many people to take to two wheels. Many see public transport as the least desirable option, the number of cyclists is expected to grow to unprecedented levels. It put the discussion on the necessity of wearing visible cycling clothes high on the agenda. Whether it is mandatory varies per country. Chris Salmon, Director of Quittance Legal Services, explains in this column: 'what the UK law says about cyclist visibility'.

GENEVA, Switzerland - Initial reports indicate that the World Trade Organization (WTO) decided that China didn't automatically qualify for market-economy status in 2016. The Chinese government claimed this.

CHICAGO, USA - In a company statement SRAM issued this afternoon the component manufacturer announced that after nearly 30 years, David Zimberoff will soon resign Vice President of marketing at SRAM to focus on a transportation research project for World Bicycle Relief (WBR).

WASHINGTON, USA - The latest publication by the US Trade Representative (USTR) regarding tariff action has not brought any clarification whether the import of lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes from China will be hit by a 25% additional duty. "Some ambiguity remains on what the announcement means for existing bicycle products receiving exclusions from Section 301 tariffs," writes PeopleForBikes, Policy Counsel Matt Moore in a statement today.

MORGAN HILLS, USA - Effective May 1, Specialized founder Mike Sinyard hired Armin Landgraf as Chief of Worldwide Markets. This follows Sinyard's appointment of industry newcomer Scott Maguire to succeed him as CEO and his own repositioning as Chief Rider Advocate in March.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, USA - Consumer brand investment firm Verlinvest has invested in Pedego. With the largest retail footprint of 200 branded stores, Pedego is currently enjoying the full benefit on the rapidly growing e-bike market in North America. The amount of investment of Verlinvest remains undisclosed.

CALIFORNIA, USA - Premium cargo bike specialist, Yuba Bicycles (Yuba), has appointed Pat Cunnane as President of North American Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of its Global Business. In this newly created dual position, he will use his industry knowledge to lead the US operations.