As the year drew to a close, December proved to be a month of mixed fortunes for the UK cycling industry. Here's a quick recap of some of the biggest headlines:
Highs:
- E-cargo bike boom continues: The popularity of e-cargo bikes for deliveries and family transport showed no signs of slowing down. A report by Cycling Weekly revealed a 60% increase in sales compared to 2022, with major players like Yodel and Deliveroo investing heavily in e-cargo fleets. (Link: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/products/i-tried-an-e-cargo-bike-and-discovered-that-a-cheap-hybrid-was-better-suited-to-my-lifestyle)
- Government pledges £32 million for cycling infrastructure: Cyclists received a welcome Christmas present from the government, with a £32 million cash injection for cycling infrastructure projects across England. The funding, announced by Cycling Minister Jesse Norman, will be used to create new segregated cycle lanes, improve existing routes, and encourage more people to take up cycling. (Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state--57)
- Chris Froome returns to domestique duties: British cycling legend Chris Froome's return to racing after a career-threatening crash in 2019 was a heartwarming story. While his racing days may be behind him, Froome's commitment to the sport was evident as he took on a domestique role for his Israel-Premier Tech team at the Tour de Rwanda. (Link: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/real-men-wear-pink-chris-froome-talks-spectacular-comeback-win-giro-ditalia-403415)
Lows:
- Bike thefts continue to plague cyclists: Unfortunately, the festive cheer wasn't shared by all cyclists. Bike theft remained a major concern, with reports of a 15% increase over the Christmas period. This prompted renewed calls for tougher penalties for bike thieves and improved security measures from retailers and police forces. (Link: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/21/bike-theft-britain-i-showed-the-thief-the-photo-and-said-this-is-my-bike)
- Riders left stranded by cancelled Eurostar services: Cyclists planning winter training camps in Europe faced major disruption due to the cancellation of Eurostar services during industrial action. Many riders were forced to find alternative travel arrangements or postpone their trips altogether. (Link: https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info)
- Concerns over proposed changes to Highway Code: The UK government's proposed changes to the Highway Code, including giving priority to pedestrians at junctions, sparked debate among cyclists. While some welcomed the move, others expressed concerns that it could lead to increased danger for cyclists. (Link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code)
Looking ahead:
As we head into 2024, the UK cycling scene is poised for further growth and development. The continued rise of e-bikes, government investment in infrastructure, and a renewed focus on safety are all positive signs for the future of cycling. However, challenges remain, such as bike theft and the need for improved road safety for all users. It will be interesting to see how these issues are addressed in the coming year.
Remember, these are just a few of the many news stories that shaped the UK cycling landscape in December. For a more comprehensive overview, be sure to check out Bikebook's website and social media channels for regular updates and in-depth analysis.
