Yorkshire bike shop wins first ever Local Bike Shop Awards
Posted on in Cycles News , Outdoor News
An independent bike shop in Yorkshire has been crowned the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards winner, securing 42% of the public vote.
Big Bear Bikes in Pickering came out on top, with The Bike Barn in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and A&S Cycles in Hackney also highly rated in the final three.
Cycling enthusiasts across the UK cast their votes for their favourite independent cycle retailer in the awards, which are backed by over 20 industry partners and recognise shops that champion active travel, support cyclists and keep local bike shops thriving.
Now in its 18th year, Big Bear Bikes operates as a leading independent retailer in North Yorkshire alongside its sister site, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. The business combines a broad retail offering with an inclusive, customer-focused approach, delivering expert workshop support and supporting riders of all ages and abilities.
The winner was selected from eight finalists shortlisted by an industry judging panel from over 50 entries received from independent cycle retailers nationwide. The public vote ran until Thursday 30th April, with the announcement timed to coincide with Local Bike Shop Week, which runs from 3rd to 9th May.
David Beeley, Founder and MD of Big Bear Bikes and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, said: “Big Bear Bikes is thrilled to win the Local Bike Shop Week award. It’s a big thank you to all the team at Big Bear Bikes and our satellite shop, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, and especially to all our customers for their support. We believe the best place to buy and have your bike looked after is a good quality, local bike shop, at the heart of its community. We are very proud to be delivering that in the Pickering and Dalby Forest area.”
Jonathan Harrison, ACT Director, said: "Congratulations to Big Bear Bikes on winning the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards. Big Bear Bikes stood out for their commitment to inclusive cycling and outstanding customer service. From providing adapted bikes for riders with additional needs to delivering structured progression programmes through Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, they demonstrate everything that makes independent bike shops vital to their communities. They're a worthy winner and a brilliant example of what can be achieved when passion meets expertise."
Big Bear Bikes operates from Pickering, offering an extensive range of bicycles, accessories and expert workshop support delivered by Cytech-trained technicians and apprentices. Through Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, the business delivers inclusive cycling provision from learn-to-ride sessions to advanced trail skills, alongside community engagement through clubs, events and local initiatives.
The Local Bike Shop Awards are part of Local Bike Shop Week, an industry-wide initiative managed by the Association of Cycle Traders. More information about Local Bike Shop Week is available on this link.
The ACT is part of the Bira Group and represents cycle traders and retailers across the UK, championing the cause of independent bike shops and promoting safe, quality cycling products and services.