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.

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.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - CEO of Cycleurope AB Tony Grimaldi has been the president of Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) since the start of the advocacy organisation. CIE is entering an all-new chapter with the announced merger with the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI). Few were more involved in European cycling advocacy at various political levels and within nearly all industry organisations than Tony Grimaldi.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Eurobike marked the fourth edition of the Women in Cycling breakfast. Growing from humble beginnings with a few participants to a raucous reception for this year's speakers. This is no longer a simple networking event to bind a minority group together, but a movement looking to evolve the face of the industry. Data is now at the forefront as initiatives focus on, amongst other things, closing the gender equity pay gap. The number of new national women-driven networks being launched this year alone, shows that the momentum is not just growing, it's becoming unstoppable.

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands - Shimano Europe has launched Nextgen Mechanics, a new call for evidence aimed at tackling the growing shortage of skilled bicycle mechanics across Europe. The collaborative initiative with Cycling Industries Europe aims to bring in a broad alliance of stakeholders committed to strengthening the profession, raising standards, and inspiring the next generation of cycle mechanics.