Jan-Willem van Schaik

Editor in Chief

Frans Timmermans, VP of the European Commission, announced that, “solid plans will get priority access to funding.” - Photo CIE

European Commission commits to stronger role in cycling promotion

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - The European Commission has a role to play in formulating cycling policy. This was acknowledged by the Executive VP of the European Commission Frans Timmermans. "We must support more and new measures to grow cycling in Europe," he said.

Production of the new Ouca Bikes starts at the end of 2022. – Photo Ouca bikes

Finnish start-up Ouca: "Cargo bikes not based on conventional...

HELSINKI, Finland - The market has seen a surge in cargo bike manufacturers in the past few years, each taking their own approach. Finnish start-up Ouca claims to have built-up a new concept for cargo bikes from scratch. "We have abandoned traditional bicycle parts in all the critical places," says Ouca founder Tuomas Alapuranen.

Pinion and Stromer partner in the next generation shifting. – Photo Pinion

Pinion and Stromer partner in new e-bike gearbox system

DENKENDORF, Germany - At Eurobike gearbox specialists Pinion will launch the next generation e-bike drive gearbox together with introduction partner Stromer. In line with the current trend and as long time discussed in the industry, we expected that Pinion will present it first electronically shifting gearbox.

The Shimano 105 group set gets the ultimate upgrade to Di2 electronic shifting technology. – Photo Shimano

Shimano upgrades 105 group set with Di2 electronic shifting

TOKYO, Japan - After 40 years since its first introduction, the Shimano 105 group set is receiving the ultimate upgrade with a move to Di2 electronic shifting technology. This introduction not only delivers Di2 to an entirely new range of riders, but also offers Shimano's flagship 12-speed, wireless shifting with easy operation and increased reliability.

Teet Spraks succeeds Kristjan Maruste as CEO of Comodule. – Photo Comodule

Comodule restructures to capture booming micromobility market, new...

TALLINN, Estonia - After making Comodule successful as supplier for e-bikes and scooters with connectivity systems, CEO and co-founder Kristjan Maruste is handing over the CEO role to Teet Praks, also co-founder of Comodule.

Booth applications for Taipei Cycle 2023 is now open again. – Photo TAITRA

Taipei Cycle opens booth application for 2023 physical edition

TAIPEI, Taiwan - In March 2023 the physical edition of the Int'l Taipei Cycle Show will open its door again, organiser TAITRA has announced. As the world is gradually lifting its travel restrictions and co-existing with COVID-19, TAITRA expects more international visitors to attend the show.

“The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process,” explains Dutch ID COO Michiel Dreef.

Dutch ID invests in Marchetti Airline assembly equipment

BEVERWIJK, the Netherlands - Optima Cycles has taken the production of its Dutch ID e-bike line to a higher level with the introduction of an all-new assembly line. "In order to guarantee our quality and innovation, production optimising is a constant process," explains COO Michiel Dreef. "The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process."

As soon as possible KKR will commence a compulsory acquisition procedure for the remaining shares. – Photo Bike Europe

KKR to start legal actions to obtain last 3.1% of Accell Group shares

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - The initial offer of the KKR-led consortium for the Accell Group's share was not welcomed by all parties involved. Especially the smaller shareholders were not content and felt being put under pressure to register their shares anyway. Now KKR will start legal buy-out proceedings in order to obtain 100% of the shares.

Laka plans to expand its product offering to e-scooters, e-mopeds and, eventually, e-cars. – Photo Laka

Porsche Ventures invests in bicycle insurance disruptor Laka

LONDON, UK - To facilitate its European expansion, insurance company Laka has secured additional funding from Porsche Ventures, the venture capital unit of Porsche AG. This brings its Series A, led by Autotech Ventures and by Ponooc, who has close ties to Pon, and ABN AMRO, to €12.7 million.

Shipping delays and low consumer confidence lost Halfords a lot of kid's bike sales in FY2022. - Photo Shuttertock

Inflation and supply chain constraints put Halfords UK sales under...

REDDITCH, UK - After significant increases in e-bike and bicycle sales volumes last year, Halfords UK gave a clear indication that rising inflation and the cost of living will impact this year's demand. Still Halfords UK remains confident on the longer-term outlook for bikes as government infrastructure and climate needs necessitate greener modes of transport.