MELBOURNE, Australia - The large geographical distance between Australia and Europe, could suggest completely different bicycle market tendencies. But is this in reality? Long-time industry watcher, business consultant and proud Australian, Phil Latz, frequently travels in Europe. Here, he evaluates the developing market and infrastructure from his perspective on both continents.
TÜBINGEN, Germany — A speed-pedelec experiment in southern Germany has yielded promising results, but findings also show that key barriers to adoption remain. The experiment was conducted by researchers at RheinMain and Darmstadt universities and sponsored by Allianz Zukunft S-Pedelec, a coalition of speed-pedelec manufacturers - including myStromer, Klever Mobility, Riese & Müller and HP Velotechnik.
BERLIN, Germany - Eyeing the upcoming federal elections, the advocacy organization Zukunft Fahrrad (Bicycle Future), issued a position paper campaigning for more political support for the bicycle industry. The new government in Germany will have to make clear policy choices as the cycling industry is not the only sector that's facing challenges and thus calling for support.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - High-level policymakers, industry experts, and cycling stakeholders came together at the annual CONEBI conference last month to foster a political dialogue on the EU Industrial Transition and the European Cycling Declaration. "We have a momentum in Europe to push for stronger policies in favour of cycling and the cycling industry," said MEP Karima Delli during the event held at the European Parliament.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee of the European Parliament is pushing the European Commission and the Member States to support the production of 'Made in Europe' bicycles and components. On Tuesday, TRAN Committee approved a resolution, which calls for a EU Cycling Strategy. The strategy should regard all the aspects: from safer infrastructure for cyclists to a stronger and more competitive bike industry.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - If it is up to VanMoof, the new V that will appear on the market at the end of this year is much more than an electric bicycle. According to CEO Taco Carlier, this 'hyperbike' with a flexible speed limit should contribute to a bicycle revolution that ensures that all unnecessary car journeys are made by bicycle. Carlier shares with Bike Europe his vision of the (not too distant) future.
