BRUSSELS, Belgium - The announced merger between European industry organisations CONEBI and CIE brought together a big group of peers in Brussels. The unification of CONEBI and CIE should allow the industry to put more weight on the table in discussions with the European Commission. On Monday and Tuesday, industry leaders, representatives of the EU's executive arm and lobbyists discussed the future of cycling as a mobility.

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.

VILNIUS, Lithuania - "We must keep cycling on the political agenda," said CIE president Tony Grimaldi last June in an interview with Bike Europe. The European Commission has reached out to the industry with the publication of the first report to the Council and Parliament on the progress made towards implementing the European Declaration on cycling, at the opening of the Urban Mobility Days this week. The industry wants more.

Shimano Europe has announced the relaunch of its State of the Nation report; a comprehensive study designed to inform, inspire, and highlight the company's advocacy projects across Europe.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Bike leasing has the power to transform Europe's mobility landscape, according to a new white paper from Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) and CONEBI. The report argues that including company bike leasing schemes in European Union policy frameworks could accelerate the EU's transition to clean mobility by reducing CO2 emissions, while driving economic growth and improving public health.

MUNICH, Germany - With a very heavy lean towards the automotive sector despite a recent attempt to diverge to all forms of mobility, one voice stood out for the bicycle industry at this year's IAA as cars dominated the halls. "Germany has more than just a car industry. The bicycle industry and public transport are also strong players - and deserve political visibility and a level playing field," Sandra Wolff, CEO of Riese & Müller said during the 'Why diverse mobility is so important' session, which was moderated by Politico.