Association of Cycle Traders

The ACT is thrilled to be collaborating with Bikmo, the partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to support and strengthen the cycling industry. By offering our members access to specialist insurance services that understand the unique challenges of our sector, we are ensuring that they are better equipped to thrive. Robert Grisdale Insurtech Insights

E-cycling can change lives, save money, cut carbon, and boost health. Reputable e-bikes are a safe way to travel but new research by the Electric Bike Alliance reveals that concerns over battery fires deter a significant portion of the population from purchasing e-bikes. About 23% of the UK population are hesitant due to battery fire incidents, and 25% worry about e-bikes charging nearby. We’re proud to be supporting the E-Bike Positive campaign along with The Bicycle Association of Great Britain, demonstrating a unified effort to enhance safety standards across the industry, to help educate the UK public to make safer e-bike purchases. Sign up and pledge to be an e-bike positive retailer through the page on our site here: https://lnkd.in/ef7gYjAW Hundreds of bike shops and mechanics around the UK, including our members, have already signed our pledge to help the UK public be e-bike positive. Visit ebikepositive.co.uk to find out more. Steve Garidis Kirsty Woodcock Stephen Holt Georgia Yexley Marcus Bickerton Tom Payton Simon Irons Jonathan Harrison Daniel Roberts-Hoad

A bill announced in the King’s Speech that would address the potential fire risks associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, has been welcomed. The Product Safety and Metrology Bill will, “preserve the UK’s status as a global leader in product regulation, supporting businesses and protecting consumers”, according to the background briefing notes. It would also ensure a: “level playing field between the high street and online marketplaces”. The bill will support growth, provide regulatory stability and deliver more protection for consumers by "responding to new product risks and opportunities" to enable the UK to "keep pace" with technological advances, such as AI, and address challenges like the fire risk associated with e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. "Without these powers, we will not be able to effectively regulate these high-risk products and protect consumers and workers," the document said. https://lnkd.in/eqwZ2R9g

ACT member The Ark Cycles in Stroud has launched Ark Community Shop Rides, a group ride open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Designed to be leisurely and accessible, the next community ride takes place this Thursday, 15th August - you can find out more on their Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/e732MZtK According to cycling charity, Sustrans, exercise like cycling can lower the levels of the body’s stress hormone, cortisol. Cycling releases feel-good endorphins, which help to relax the mind and make you feel happier, reducing feelings of anxiety. Sean Townsend, co-founder of The Ark Cycles, said: “We are excited to be able to bring the community together through this bike ride, not only to explore Stroud’s beauty, but also to promote good exercise and mental wellbeing. This community event was a great way for people to experience those benefits while connecting with others. “Cycling has always been more than just a physical activity; it’s a powerful tool for my mental health. The community ride is our way of sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of cycling. We believe in the strength of our community, and this event’s great turnout is a testament to the positive impact we can have when we come together.”

Recent reports about fires caused by dangerous e-bikes, chargers and conversion kits can mislead the public into believing that all e-bikes are unsafe. This misconception could have serious consequences, potentially jeopardising the growth of e-bikes as a transportation and climate solution, and deterring customers in an already challenging market. As an industry, we must urgently collaborate to clearly distinguish our reputable, safe products from the high-risk ones that cause these fires. We need to promote positive and proactive messaging around e-bike safety, addressing recent concerns and emphasising our commitment to consumer well-being. We are inviting all bike retailers to pledge their commitment and be listed as an E-Bike Positive retailer, here: https://lnkd.in/ef7gYjAW Jonathan Harrison

The widespread popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters means "it is a bit of a wild west out there" in terms of safety, ACT member David Tod of Take Charge Bikes in Bristol, has told the BBC. Last month, a senior coroner called for government action over electric bike battery fires after the death of a man who was trying to escape a blaze at his home. Safety campaigners hope that will mean a clampdown on online e-bike sellers. Mr Tod has been selling e-bikes in his shop since 2010. He said he has seen a lot of bikes with electrical issues in his time. "Unfortunately, I think there's a lot of cheap and cheerful bikes out there that look really, really pretty," he said. "They seem to be quite well priced, but the manufacturing is slightly lacking in quality, especially in the battery areas and the chargers." "Some people definitely tamper with the batteries and it's not a wise idea." He recommends buying e-bikes and e-scooters from brick-and-mortar shops or a reputable online store. He also said the UKCA trademark "guarantees that it's a good quality bike". https://lnkd.in/e7UbMv3i

More than £17.5m for the first phase of a major new sustainable transport scheme has been announced by Liverpool City Region's mayor Steve Rotheram. The money will be used to install new cycle routes and footpaths as well as improve pedestrian crossings in east Runcorn. The East Runcorn Connectivity scheme is part of wider plans to deliver a 600km network of walking and cycling routes across the six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region (LCR). Mr Rotheram said the project was a "key part" of his plans to build a London-style public transport network that offered people an "efficient alternative to driving their car". Plans for further phases of the east Runcorn project are currently in development at Halton Council and are expected to be submitted to the combined authority later this year. Funding is to be drawn from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a pot of £710m set aside for major transport infrastructure projects across LCR. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eJAGc-Zh

In what's being described as one of the greatest comebacks in Olympic history, mountain biker Tom Pidcock won Team GB's first cycling gold at the Paris Olympics, yesterday. Pidcock pulled off the performance of his career, ­fighting back from a puncture and a challenging wheel change to snatch gold at the very last. https://lnkd.in/gshA4bvx

Congratulations Anna Henderson who won Team GB's first cycling medal of the Paris Olympics in the time trial - hopefully the first of many! https://lnkd.in/ec-vSdHs

Community groups and other not-for-profit organisations in Greater Manchester can now apply for funding to set up their own bike library. There are already 37 bike libraries up and running across the region, enabling people of all ages to borrow a bike for free. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has secured funding to support six more libraries, with up to £5,000 available for each successful applicant. Community hubs, schools and charities are just some of the local organisations to have benefited from opening a bike library so far. The aim of each scheme is to boost people’s access cycles, build their confidence on a bike and explore the cycling routes available on their doorstep. One of the schemes already having an impact is The Grass Roots Oldham Women’s Enterprise (GROWE) community bike library in Failsworth. The library opened in March 2023 and now has 10 bikes that residents can use for free. They also offer cycle training sessions and rides led by more experienced cyclists. Marina Waters, GROWE community bike library manager, said: “At the GROWE hub in Failsworth, we’re ideally placed to open a bike library and we were delighted to be awarded funding to set one up last year. “We’re passionate about reducing the barriers to cycling and enabling more people to use a bike for free, whether it’s for leisure or for simply getting around. “People can borrow one of our bikes for anything between a week or a month, giving them plenty of time to really build their confidence and explore the cycle routes around the GROWE hub." Read more: https://lnkd.in/evsPfJJV