BICYCLES CURRENT
EU: green light for bicycle revolution sets pedals in motion
The European Union has taken an important step to reduce transport emissions by adopting the European Declaration on Cycling. This initiative, which is part of efforts to promote sustainable, accessible and affordable modes of transport,…
Goodbye racing bike: government tackles souped-up e-bikes
Minister Harbers is committed to safety with an end to performance sets and significant fines. The era of the popularity of souped-up electric bicycles may have peaked. The new concern, the performance of these two-wheelers, is being restricted.…
Cargo bike complaints about quality are not limited to one brand or manufacturer
The NVWA has instructed Babboe to immediately cease trading in all cargo bikes because they do not comply with the law. The problem is many times bigger, so it is urgently time for the sector itself to take action. The…
Safety concerns are shaking Babboe's market position in Flanders
The sharing platform Baqme, known for its electric cargo bike rental service in urban areas, recently suspended its activities in Ghent and the Netherlands. While the Dutch cargo bike manufacturer Babboe has been under fire in its own country for weeks, customers in Belgium are also…
Cargoroo halves prices and comes to the rescue of cargo bike families
Cargo bike sharing provider Cargoroo immediately reduces subscription rates by 50%. In light of the recent crisis surrounding Babboe cargo bikes, shared cargo bike provider Cargoroo has taken a remarkable step to assist affected families. Through a significant reduction of 50% on subscription rates…
Pedestrians are given free rein in the city center of Ghent
Important streets within the route, including Veldstraat, are planned for integral renovation. The image of a moving tram in the Veldstraat has been a thing of the past for some time now because Ghent is currently undergoing one of the most drastic urban renewal projects...
Babboe must stop selling its cargo bikes
According to the NVWA, Babboe failed to adequately investigate the causes of these defects and the company failed to take the necessary measures to prevent further incidents. RTL Nieuws recently published a study about the structural…
Alkmaar e-bike pioneer ES Master collapses after five years
Warranty costs and inflation put pressure on manufacturers. The Dutch e-bike industry is once again shocked by bankruptcy. ES Master, an Alkmaar company specialized in fat bikes, has filed for bankruptcy, just five years after its founding. This development follows previous bankruptcies in…
Give your old bicycle a new life because “That's easy to cycle”.
The Netherlands is committed to more bicycles for children from families with financial challenges. The campaign “That's how you cycled”, which calls on Dutch people to donate disused children's bicycles, is a partnership between various important organizations and government institutions, each with their…
The rise of the e-bike: a new trend in Dutch mobility
The growth in popularity of the e-bike also brings new challenges. The Dutch remain avid cyclists, with more than 28% of all trips in the country made by bicycle. This constant commitment to cycling reflects the…
Young people are often tipsy before they get on their bike
The government and local municipalities are urged to take measures. A worrying trend is emerging in today's nightlife culture: young people 'drinking up' at home before a night out. This practice not only poses health risks, but also…
Cities ask minister for action against the increase in souped-up fat bikes
Police enforcement appears to be an essential link in reducing risks. The recent rise of fat bikes, a type of electric bicycle with noticeably fat tires, raises concerns about road safety. These bikes, which are capable of reaching speeds…
A new era with registration and license plate requirements for special mopeds
While the proposal makes its way through parliament and to the Council of State, the government is working on a balance between innovation and regulation. The Dutch government is taking steps to increase road safety and provide overview...
Start of bicycle lighting campaign emphasizes the importance of visibility in the winter months
While the 'Bicycle lights ON in the dark' campaign is in full swing, recent surveys show that young people in particular are still a risk group when it comes to cycling with insufficient lighting. This week, Minister Mark Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management…
Ghent refuses to open Kompass Klub due to safety risks
Visitors who were looking forward to an evening in the new Kompass Klub are left with unused tickets. The city of Ghent refused to open the doors of the Kompass Klub, despite a fire brigade permit having already been obtained. Serious road safety risks for…
Ghent will hunt bicycle thieves with decoy bicycles from 2024
The bill was submitted at the request of the city of Ghent, but its implications are national. The city of Ghent is taking a new step in the fight against bicycle theft. From the beginning of 2024, the Ghent police will be given the green light to use a decoy bicycle…
The Flemish government is committed to the safety of intersections and school environments
The numbers don't lie. The government is investing in safer intersections and school routes, and the results are starting to become visible. Flanders can pride itself on road safety on regional roads. With 1.728 intersections under its…
Paris and Antwerp show the way in European bicycle sharing research
Financing remains a tricky issue. Although European funds such as the Social Climate Fund can play a role, DG MOVE's Isabelle Vandoorne emphasized that public-private partnerships will be essential for the future development of bicycle sharing initiatives. Paris and Antwerp are in the lead…
Ghent is taking the lead in balancing urban parking needs with flexible parking
The solution is simple, bicycles during the day and vehicles at night. The flexible use of parking spaces allows institutions and their visitors to be better served, while local residents can also benefit from the parking facilities outside these peak times. To tackle parking problems,…
Ghent is pioneering emission-free urban logistics with a view to 2030
Logistics traffic has a major impact on the quality of life and safety in our city. The Belgian city of Ghent has committed to being a forerunner in the field of emission-free urban logistics by 2030, an ambition that…
Bankrupt VanMoof sold to subsidiary of McLaren Applied
Bicycle manufacturer VanMoof is taken over by Lavoie, a British manufacturer of electric scooters. After almost a month and a half of searching for a suitable buyer, the Amsterdam, bankrupt bicycle brand VanMoof has finally been taken over by the British e-step brand Lavoie. This news has been confirmed by…
An in-depth look at segmentation and risk profiling at insurers
Insurers have traditionally operated on the principle of solidarity and risk spreading. The Netherlands is known for its extensive cycling culture. In fact, a quarter of all trips in the country are made by bicycle. But as bicycle use rises, there are also growing concerns…
Brussels launches revolutionary bicycle security system against theft
Many Brussels residents with optimism towards the future of safe cycling in the city. In response to an increasing number of bicycle thefts, Brussels Mobility has launched a call for innovative ways to park bicycles safely. From the beginning of 2024, two…
Think twice before driving the car to the door
The beach bag is replaced by a well-filled school backpack. As most people know, the start of the school year is a time of renewed energy, new school supplies, and reunion with classmates. But there is another lesser-known statistic…
Team Palella investigates case after rejection of bid for bankrupt VanMoof
The refusal of the offer raises questions about what the trustees have in mind for VanMoof's future. The recent bankruptcy of the renowned bicycle brand VanMoof has caused quite a stir. A recent development that caught my attention is…
Lotte Kopecky, star of Assenede and ambassador for Škoda
It came as no surprise that the competition mainly comes from the Netherlands, but the woman who turns setbacks into triumphs drove Belgium to gold since the first gold in the road race in 1973. Assenede in East Flanders celebrated an international heroine today. Lotte Kopecky…
Parcel delivery can also be done without irritation for residents
A handful of negative experiences should not overshadow the entire sector. At a time when online shopping has reached an unprecedented level, parcel delivery is an indispensable link in the supply chain. However, the rush and rush associated with this lead…
American company reports as a potential buyer of bankrupt VanMoof
A potential acquisition would allow the US giant to take advantage of VanMoof's existing infrastructure, technology and brand recognition, especially in European markets where electric bicycles are growing in popularity. The possible offer brings a glimmer of hope to the thousands of owners of…
End of an era, Amsterdam bicycle manufacturer VanMoof declared bankrupt
VanMoof's bankruptcy shows how quickly the tide can turn, even for those considered growth gems. The Amsterdam court has declared the well-known electric bicycle brand VanMoof bankrupt. This decision was confirmed by the founders in an internal communication to…
Prestigious manufacturer VanMoof from pride to tragedy
E-bike manufacturer VanMoof appears to be headed for bankruptcy. A proverbial earthquake has occurred in the Dutch bicycle repair landscape. The once illustrious brand, VanMoof, famous for its prestigious electric bicycles, is getting a deferral. This news came after a series…