Posts by Phil Latz
Eight Ways to Build the Bicycle Community During COVID-19
Create and share video content to help people get out and ride (e.g., how to change a flat; basic maintenance, keeping tires inflated, etc.) Host virtual happy hours to bring people who love bicycling together (Google hangouts, Skype, GoToMeeting, Zoom, etc.); consider a topic of the day Share a daily video featuring products and/or apparel…
Australian Bicycle Imports Down for Jan, Feb 2020
In February 2020 a total of 45,232 bicycles were imported into Australia, this was the lowest February total for any of the past 10 years. By comparison, in February 2019 70,184 bicycles were imported. The Australian Customs data of course does not give any insight as to how much of this drop was due to…
Cities Around the World are Becoming More Cycling Friendly to Combat Covid-19
As each day passes and the covid-19 pandemic worsens more and more examples are emerging of cities that are becoming more cyclists and pedestrian friendly to help combat the virus. It’s rapidly becoming apparent to many of those in authority around the world that cycling offers multiple benefits. These include much needed physical exercise and…
Over 100 Prominent Australian Thought Leaders Call for More Cycling
On Thursday 23rd April, over 100 Australian health and transport experts called on decision makers to enact urgent measures to support safe walking and cycling and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can see their letter here. The Australian Government has recognised the importance of remaining physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has…
Strong Cycling Activity in Canberra
Canberra cycle shops have reported a surge in bike sales in recent weeks as people try to keep up fitness in the age of coronavirus, lockdowns and social distancing. Managing director of Pushys in Fyshwick, Shane Wolki, said after a quiet start to the year following smoke haze and bushfires, interest in cycling had shot…
Keeping the Good Oil Flowing During the Pandemic
Queensland based Owen Matthews is founder and product developer of Australian made lubricants, degreasers and other chemical based products Ride Mechanic. Owen is the only Australian bicycle industry member we’re aware of that also has a PhD in chemistry and has a wide range of professional and consultancy experience in industrial chemistry. “March was pretty…
European Bicycle Factories Starting to Reopen
In late March Pon Bike announced that they were halting production at their Derby Cycle factory in Cloppenburg Germany until at least 17th April. However they would still be delivering bicycles that they had in stock. As at 20th April, there had still been no announcement as to when production would resume. Other European factories…
Giant Announces Record Sales for 2019
Giant Group, as the company is now known, saw a strong increase in sales and even bigger increase in profit for calendar year 2019. Sales grew by 5.3% to NT$63.45 billion (A$3.4 billion). Net profit before tax rose by 13.3% to NT $4.81 billion (A$258 million). The most important growth drivers of Giant Group’s 2019…
New Technology Prevents Car ‘Dooring’
Here is a major ongoing issue that has a direct effect on how many people ride and in turn how many bicycles are sold and serviced in Australia. One of the biggest safety deterrents facing cyclists riding on roads where cars are parked is the risk of getting ‘doored’ when the driver or passenger suddenly…
Eurobike Flags Possible Reschedule to November
Europe’s key cycling industry event Eurobike could be set to postpone as coronavirus disruption continues across the continent. Organiser Messe Friedrichshafen has now cancelled the media events – scheduled in the run up to the main event, in Solden and Frankfurt – due to restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic. Eurobike itself is scheduled for 2nd…