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.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission announced that the European Union will continue to apply the existing import measures, such as import duties or anti-dumping measures on bicycles from China, as there is no valid reason to lift them. To prevent circumvention, the European Commission considers it necessary to apply these duties to all bicycles made in China, plus all shipments from seven countries. A total of 13 bicycle manufacturers across these countries are exempt from this measure.

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.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Cargobikes play a key role in the urban transition to more sustainable mobility. The cargobike is even specifically mentioned in the European Declaration on Cycling when it comes to urban transport of goods, in particular parcel deliveries and shopping. Taking that into consideration, it is remarkable that the International Cargo Bike Festival, on a 2,400 square meter show floor, is the only dedicated trade show organised in Europe.