News

Fifty years ago, an empty motorway symbolised hope. That evocative photo - four children cycling along a vast, car-free expanse – hangs in our office. It captures a fleeting moment during the OPEC oil crisis when Dutch roads stood silent. Back then, the Dutch government’s Sunday driving bans were more than just an emergency measure; they helped boost a burgeoning movement away from car dependency. Those were unknowingly riding into a future where cycling would become not just possible, but inevitable.

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With around two million e-bikes in the UK and sales surging, stories of battery fires are on the rise. But let’s keep things in perspective: e-bike fires occur at a rate of less than one per day. In contrast, around 100,000 cars catch fire in the UK each year—nearly 300 every single day. Statistically speaking, a car is far more likely to go up in flames than an electric bicycle.Yet e-bikes do present unique challenges. Fortunately, these risks are manageable with some simple precautions.

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Imagine if your rent stayed the same no matter how big your flat was. Absurd, right? Yet, this is effectively what happens when it comes to car parking.

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Two of Europe’s capitals, Oslo and Helsinki, have quietly managed something quite remarkable. Both cities achieved zero pedestrian road deaths - a milestone Helsinki reached for the first time since record-keeping began in 1960.

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Paris, once drowned out by the hum of traffic from the Pont Neuf down to the arteries of the Champs-Élysées, is enjoying a renaissance. Under the sweeping hand of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the city is unfurling into a people-friendly utopia.

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A shift in mindset is crucial. It’s not just about infrastructure - though that’s vital. It’s about cultural framing. The Dutch don't see cycling as a statement or lifestyle. It’s not a sport, it’s transport. This pragmatic view is key to their success.

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E-bikes boost your range, make hills a breeze, and, most importantly, are enormous fun to ride. If you're planning to go electric this Christmas, read on...

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E-bikes are taking the word by storm, but the marriage of motor and bicycle is a courtship that stretches back over a century. Among the early flirtations, friction drive– which sees a motor turn a roller against the tyre - emerged as an easy solution for boosting pedal power with a small petrol engine.

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There's something reassuring about knowing the location of your bike at all times - even though the jury is still out on whether trackers offer a practicable solution to cycle theft.

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Whether you’re popping to the shops by bike or travelling further afield, the reflective Notabag is a clever combination bag and backpack hybrid. Reflective panels help you stand out, but it's party trick is quickly transforming from a bag to a cycling friendly backpack with a quick pull on the straps.

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