ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's May as I write this blog, the time of year when cockchafers (May bugs) emerge from the ground en masse. This phenomenon is remarkable in itself, as the insect has been largely eradicated in most parts of the Netherlands due to pesticide use. Each time, it's a fascinating spectacle. After spending up to five years underground as larvae - being a persistent nuisance to my garden - they get to live above ground for just a few short weeks.

DELFT, the Netherlands - Cargo bikes and box bikes are now also getting their own European standard, following the example of similar standards set for bicycles, e-bikes and individual components. This should ensure, among other things, that cargo bikes' overall safety and quality are held to a high standard within Europe.

LONG BEACH, United States - Amid an increasingly volatile trade industry, independent testing and certification body ACT Lab has launched a global pricing initiative to support bicycle and e-mobility manufacturers in maintaining safe and compliant products. The "Tariff Reduction ACT" applies to mechanical and chemical testing services in bundled packages to help companies navigating the frequently shifting trade policies and disruptions in the supply chain.

FRANKFURT, Germany - As e-bike companies across Europe grapple with concerns over new European Union considerations to cap e-bike power at a maximum output of 750 watts, some are making their stances on the subject clear.

TALLINN, Estonia - Estonian e-bike manufacturer Ampler has unveiled its newest bike models with a cutting-edge new feature: direct USB-C charging. The Nova and the Nova Pro e-bikes were created "with urban families and modern commuters in mind," and tout a fully embedded USB-C battery in the bike frame.

Once upon a time, back when I was just a young lad, there was a song my brothers and I occasionally heard on the radio - a song that seemed to cast a spell over us. We didn't know what it was about, nor could we name the band, but something about it was almost magical. And this was before we'd even seen the music video! That song became iconic - a symbol of our youth - resonating with us deeply despite remaining a mystery for years.