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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Local Bike Shop Day 2020 postponed following retailer vote

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

On the 23rd March, retailers across the UK were left feeling uncertain after being informed by the Prime Minister that any unessential shops must close for the safety of people across the UK, following the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, due to the key role that cycling retailers play in the transportation of essential workers, bicycle shops were deemed as a "notable exception" and permitted to stay open.

During these times, bicycles offer a solution to many problems currently being faced by isolating Brits across the UK; a safe mode of transport, a way of keeping fit, a way to get fresh air, all whilst enabling the cyclist to maintain a 2 metre distance from others and have minimal contact with surfaces and objects.

Taking into consideration the key role that bike shops will be playing during these difficult times, and with public safety being of the utmost importance, it is with great sadness that the ACT are announcing the postponement of Local Bike Shop Day 2020.

Local Bike Shop Day was originally set to take place on Saturday the 2nd of May. This decision was not taken lightly, and since it is a day encompassing the whole trade, the final judgement was given to the bike shops that had signup to take part. The ACT surveyed all participating shops last week.

Out of all the respondents the overwhelming majority - over 90% - voted in favour of postponing. Furthermore, other key partners who were supporting Local Bike Shop Day, including Cyclescheme, Insync, Freewheel and Cycling UK were all in agreement that postponement was the right thing to do.

The information obtained through the survey also provided some guidance as to when Local Bike Shop Day should be deferred to. From the results there is a clear month the respondents have in mind; however the finer details need to be agreed upon with all engaged parties before a date is set.

Following suggestions from retailers and suppliers, there may still be some scope for a Virtual Local Bike Shop Day on the originally planned date of the 2nd May. If you have any suggestions how this could work in your shop, please let us know info@theact.org.uk.

More information on the new date and the virtual bike shop day to follow.

In the meantime the ACT have published the latest information and advice tailored specifically for specialist cycle retailers at cycleassociation.uk/covid-19.

The resources section contains specific advice for retailers choosing to remain open and operational advice for mobile mechanics has also been issued.

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