FRANKFURT, Germany - The dispute between Eurobike organiser Fairnamics and the German industry bodies ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad will have a long-lasting impact on the global bicycle industry. ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad laid down their vision in a 10-point plan submitted to Eurobike sometime in late July, which was initially published in German only. At the request of Bike Europe, the official document was translated by the industry bodies, as this discussion concerns the wider international industry.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The disruption in the international bicycle industry has also reached the trade show landscape. The Taichung Bike Week experienced its weakest edition in years this September. This was followed by last week's announcement that German industry bodies ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad will end their cooperation with Eurobike. For over three decades, Eurobike has been the premier global platform for the German industry to showcase itself to the world. What the future holds is still uncertain.

KARLSTEIN am MAIN, Germany - A sudden disruption in its customer base and subsequent legal proceedings instantly resulted in a financial challenge for the well-known lithium-ion battery manufacturer BMZ Deutschland GmbH. The company's branch, BMZ Deutschland GmbH, was forced to file for insolvency under its own administration at the local court in Aschaffenburg on 24 October.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - Bicycle rental systems and subscription-based models, like Swapfiets, represent a cycling mobility trend that opened the market for more existing and new cyclists. Until recently, only the number of bicycles out in the streets and the number of users were available. For the first time, the social and economic impact of the trend has also been quantified in two separate market studies by the consultancy Ernst & Young (EY) and the German industry organisation Zukunft Fahrrad.

TACHERTING, Germany - The owner of parts and component brand Syntace and bicycle brand Liteville has filed for insolvency. Syntace GmbH is already working on a restructuring and states that ongoing business operations are fully guaranteed. All orders and inquiries via the online shops will be processed as usual, as well as deliveries to IBDs and the Liteville products spare parts supply chain.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Cargo bikes are still regarded as pivotal in the transformation of urban logistics. Unlike the bicycle and e-bike industries, the cargo bike market is primarily business-to-business and new concepts are often developed in collaboration with B2B partners. While cargo bikes are displayed at the fringes of bicycle or logistics trade shows, the market remains highly promising.