KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Full halls, wide smiles, and positive energy… the mood at Velofollies in late January was in stark contrast to many of the reports recently published on Bike Europe. The annual event for the Benelux market with sold out exhibition space, new product releases and notable optimism seemed to disguise the many uncertainties in the current market. However, "2024 will not be a year for taking risks," one exhibitor confirmed.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Electric bicycle sales in Belgium grew to a market share of 51.2% in 2023 according to industry organisation Traxio. The estimate sales figures which were reported during the Velofollies tradeshow last week, show that the Belgian market is levelling out following the spike during the corona years.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - "Super", "Amazing", "Best event ever"; these were some of the comments from exhibitors at Velofollies last weekend. Signs of market disruptions, cash flow problems or inventory worries were far from centre stage at the main tradeshow for the Benelux which was returning following a 2-year absence. Could this outpouring of optimism be masking the real problems in the industry?

PLODIV, Bulgaria - Leader 96 presented its new Jaguar branded e-bike range at the Velofollies show in Belgian Kortrijk last month.