UTRECHT, The Netherlands - With the introduction of zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025, developments in the cargobike field are more relevant than ever. This was the message at the 2024 edition of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) which took place in Utrecht, the Netherlands on 25 and 26 October. With a mix of expo and conference programme the event is fully developing into something relevant for all stakeholders in the cargo bike business.

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.

REICHSHOF, Germany - At Eurobike tyre brand Schwalbe unveiled what it calls "a revolution for bicycle valves'- the Schwalbe Clik Valve (SCV). The brand claims it is much easier to use than existing systems and boosts air flow by up to 50%. Schwalbe predicts that the intuitive click system could become the new industry standard for inflating tyres.

REICHSHOF, Germany - One year after the launch of the Green Marathon, Schwalbe is converting large parts of its existing tyre range to the same circular concept. From now on, 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made with recycled carbon black (rCB), the tyre brand reports.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Robotics specialist Da Shiang Automation (DSA) premiered a frictionless hub motor at this year's Taipei Cycle show. Entering the market under the brand name DTboost, the FMS01 hub motor features the DNGate Clutch System which allows the user to ride without resistance from the motor and gearbox when exceeding 25 km/h.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Formed in 2016, CKC Environmental Technology focuses on using fibre particulate composite materials from the rice farming industry to manufacture environmentally friendly products. At Taipei Cycle it presented its newest pedal, the CK-TB7, which besides being made of biomass material is fully repairable.

OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - Despite overall stagnant or declining markets in Europe, myStromer AG, parent company of premium e-bike brands Stromer and Desiknio, bucked the general trend and continue to expand its market shares in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the challenging e-bike market in the US, the company achieved double-digit (consolidated) growth.

ERKRATH, Germany - When e-bikes began to make a market entrance, global brand Giant determined that innovation in integrated in-house technologies would be the key to success. Since 2023 all R&D is carried out at the European headquarters in Lelystad, the Netherlands where a new development centre has been opened. Now, in-house service is an additional benefit to boost sales in saturated and fragmented European e-bike markets.

LONDON, England - Newcomer Skarper has developed a retrofit solution to turn any bicycle into an e-bike. What started with the backing of six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, the start-up has also teamed up with the Red Bull Formula 1 team's Advanced Technologies division to prepare the device for market launch later this year.

LONDON, UK — "Senior leaders in the bicycle industry are overwhelmingly white, heterosexual men" and "women and those from minority groups are more likely to leave the industry" - these are key finding from a new Diversity in the Cycling Industry Perception Survey Report. With other results shedding light on diversity and inclusivity issues, a roadmap for change has been proposed.

OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has announced two new mechanical groupset introductions. The Shimano 105 12-speed Mechanical groupset completes the 12-speed road family. Meanwhile for the gravel segment, Shimano's new GRX Mechanical 12-Speed provides more gearing options for gravel cyclists.

HAIBACH, Germany - German battery specialist Akku Vision has added a cargo bike battery solution to product range. The Fusione, which was launched at Eurobike, is "the result of deep market studies, analysis and feedback from customers which has been honed to make the product ready for commercial use," the company states.

NANTES, France - Connectivity solution producer Velco is now collaborating with Shimano to offer IoT and digital solutions to bicycle brands and manufacturers. After 2 years of development, Velco announced at Eurobike that it has officially become an off-shelf IoT device partner of the Japanese giant bicycle parts and engine manufacturer.

DENKENDORF, Germany - Gearbox specialist Pinion has developed a new product bringing together the motor and gearshift in one unit. "The Pinion MGU is the e-bike technology of the next generation," the company states prior to the launch at Eurobike. MGUs are available in the Pinion E-Line, as E1.12 and E1.9 versions and as E-Speed versions E1.12S and E1.9S.

MUNICH, Germany - For its fourth outing, organiser Huss-Verlag is calling for applicants for the International Cargobike of the Year awards. The award is establishing itself on the market as a platform for rewarding innovation in the young but booming cargo bike industry. The winners will be announced during the IAA Mobility event being held in Munich in September.

MUNICH, Germany - The fourth edition of the World Cycling Forum will take place on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 September 2023 in Munich, Germany. The theme of the 2023 World Cycling Forum is 'Equipped for change'.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - After almost six years in the lead at bicycle manufacturer Accell Group, Ton Anbeek has stepped down as CEO. While a successor is being found, Juan de Ochoa, a partner at investment firm and co-owner of KKR, the new owner of Accell Group, will step in as interim chairman of the board of directors.

CAMBRIDGE, UK - Zedify, an electric cargo bike delivery network in the UK, has secured a £5 million (€5.7 mln) investment to expand its low carbon service. The funding will be used to expand its operations making it available to around 20% of the UK population. Developing an own vehicle in-house is also on the cards.

DENVER, US - Niner Bikes founder Chris Sugai has joined carbon belt manufacturer Gates as general manager of Gates Global Mobility. The bike industry pioneer with nearly two decades of bike industry leadership experience will drive efforts to expand Gates Carbon Drive offerings and bring belt drive solutions to bikes, electric mobility, and powersports.

GENNEVILLIERS, France - Upway a platform dedicated to the reconditioning and resale of e-bikes is growing its presence in Europe. Through additional funding, Upway is entering new markets with "the mission to provide as many people as possible the opportunity to buy second-hand electric bikes". The company is now active in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.