Can the bicycle industry become greener?

Can the bicycle industry become greener?

Sustainability is becoming increasingly integrated into business practices in the bicycle industry. Be it at a manufacturing, distribution or company policy level, the bicycle industry is no longer resting on its laurels of having a 'green' product to sell to the public.

Across the globe initiatives are being launched to collectively push the bicycle industry forward in its sustainability management. Sustainability management is becoming less perceived as a ‘nice to have’, but companies are also recognising that with a proper focus there are competitive advantages in the long run. Is the bicycle industry on the brink of a paradigm shift?

Highlights in this latest online magazine (Issue 30 | December 2023) include:

  • The rise of CSR reporting in the bicycle industry
  • ESG implementation takes crucial steps in Taiwan    
  • Bicycles in European ‘right to repair’ scope
  • ‘This is only the start of regulation on sustainability'

WBIA sustainability director Germain Lesur plays a key role in this supply chain sustainability project. – Photo WBIA

WBIA calls for collaboration in supply chain sustainability project

FRANKFURT, Germany - The World Bicycle Industrial Association (WBIA) has launched a new supply chain project aimed at guiding the cycling industry towards a sustainable future. The Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) Operating Model was validated during the WBIA's general assembly held during Eurobike Frankfurt 2024 and is built around the three pillars of education, energy and ecodesign.

The Climate Action Pulse Check aims to function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. – Photo Shift Cycling Culture

Pulse Check on sustainability: Bicycle industry optimistic, but...

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - 80% of bicycle industry representatives in a recent survey stated that their companies are taking a strategic approach to climate action, with 35% having made considerable progress and are able to track their results. This is a key finding of the first edition of the Climate Action Pulse Check, a global survey that will function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. However, consumers are less optimistic at the progress gained.

The Cyclescore label is a new standard aimed at promoting the French cycling industry while addressing environmental and societal challenges. Two tags will be available, one for regular bikes and one for e-bikes. – Photo Cyclescore

France introduces consumer-facing ESG label about bicycle...

PARIS, France - French bike organisation Filière Vélo has introduced the 'Cyclescore' label, a new standard aimed at promoting the French cycling industry while addressing environmental and societal challenges. "It's a voluntary label that aims to provide the best information to consumers," said Florence Le Gall, general delegate of the Filière Vélo.

“The high-end bicycle industry based in Taiwan has an important role in setting future trends,” explained BAS representative and ESG Manager of Giant Group, Charlie Liu Charlie Liu at Taipei Cycle Show.

'Taiwan aims to play an important role in setting future trends in...

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The leading topic for the Taiwan bicycle industry has become Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. The industry joined forces in a coalition called the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS). BAS representative and ESG Manager of Giant Group, Charlie Liu, explains the vision and strategy of this industry wide cooperation.