October was a busy month for the cycling industry, with a number of notable news events occurring. Here is a roundup of some of the most important stories:

Wiggle Chain Reaction enters administration

One of the biggest stories of the month was the news that Wiggle Chain Reaction, the world's largest online cycling retailer, had entered administration. The company had been struggling for some time, due to a number of factors including increased competition from other online retailers, the rising cost of living, and the ongoing supply chain issues.

The administration of Wiggle Chain Reaction is a major blow to the cycling industry, and it is likely to have a significant impact on both consumers and businesses. For consumers, it means that they will have fewer options for buying cycling products online. For businesses, it means that they will have to find new suppliers and distribution channels.

Islabikes ceases production

Another major story of the month was the announcement that Islabikes, a popular UK-based manufacturer of children's bicycles, was ceasing production. The company said that it was unable to continue operating due to the rising cost of living and the ongoing supply chain issues.

The closure of Islabikes is a significant loss for the cycling industry, as the company was known for producing high-quality children's bicycles. It is also a sign of the challenges that many businesses in the cycling industry are currently facing.

High Court grants legal challenge to government's cycling funding cuts

In a positive development, the High Court granted a legal challenge to the UK government's decision to cut funding for active travel. The court ruled that the government had failed to properly consider the impact of the cuts before making the decision.

The government's decision to cut funding for active travel had been widely criticised by cycling and walking organisations. The High Court's ruling is a victory for these organisations, and it could lead to the government reversing its decision.

UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum gets underway

The UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum, which is the world's largest event focused on cycling mobility and urban planning, took place in Copenhagen, Denmark in October. The event brought together experts from around the world to discuss the latest trends and developments in cycling mobility.

One of the key themes of the forum was the need to create more safe and accessible cycling infrastructure in cities. The forum also discussed the role of cycling in climate change mitigation and the promotion of public health.

New RAC Report on Motoring

The RAC, a UK motoring organization, published a new report in October that found that a growing number of drivers are now open to the idea of switching to cycling for some of their journeys. The report found that 23% of drivers would now consider cycling for short journeys, up from 18% in 2022.

The RAC's report is a positive sign for the cycling industry, as it suggests that more people are now open to cycling for transport. The report also highlights the importance of investing in safe and accessible cycling infrastructure in order to encourage more people to switch to cycling.

Overall, October was a busy month for the cycling industry, with a number of notable news events occurring. The administration of Wiggle Chain Reaction and the closure of Islabikes are significant blows to the industry, but the High Court's ruling on cycling funding cuts and the RAC's report on motoring are both positive developments.

Other notable news events from October 2023:

• Demi Vollering and Jonas Vingegaard won the 2023 Velo d'Or awards.
• Remco Evenepoel missed out on victory in the final race of 2023.
• Jumbo-Visma are set to become Visma-Lease a Bike in 2024.
• Sam Bennett is looking for a new direction in 2024.
• Cian Uijtdebroeks was frustrated with Bora-Hansgrohe after bike problems.
• Carlos Rodríguez signed a four-year contract extension with Ineos.
• UCI President David Lappartient vowed climate action in cycling.
• Jumbo-Visma CEO Richard Plugge said that the team must evolve in 2024.
• The Vélo d'Or awards ceremony will be held in Paris in 2024.