News
P&A Wholesalers Share Their Experiences and Predictions Regarding Covid-19 Disruption
We’re now rolling into the fifth month since Covid-19 began turning the bicycle industry, and the world more generally, on its head. Last month we asked leading complete bicycle wholesalers for their stories and predictions. This month it’s the specialist P&A wholesalers’ turn. Of course in reality, with a few exceptions, wholesalers don’t exclusively sell…
How’s Business – July 2020
Welcome to our monthly survey of six bike shops across Australia and New Zealand where we start by simply asking, ‘How’s Business?’ Our follow up question for this month was, ‘What product categories are currently out of stock both in your shop and with your suppliers?’ Darryn Giles from Chain Reaction Christchurch, New Zealand said:…
Google Trends Shows Cycling Search Surge
Our new age of big data may send shivers down this spines of many civil libertarians, but it also reveals fascinating insights that were previously hidden. Using Google Trends software, we looked at the relative number of searches from within Australia for the three biggest bike brands over the past year, followed by four bicycle…
Preview The Latz Report Yearbook 2020!
Back by popular demand! We’re putting the finishing touches on The Latz Report Yearbook 2020 and anticipate it going live early in July. We’ll send you a special one-off email with a link to the Yearbook as soon as it’s live. This will include simple instructions about how to access and use it in its…
USA Bike Shops Looted During George Floyd Riots
Some bicycle shops nationwide suffered theft and damage over the weekend in the wake of the George Floyd protests that flared into riots in some cities. Jay Wolff owns five shops across LA including I. Martin Bicycles and possibly the largest and best known shop in LA, Helen’s Cycles Santa Monica. “Most of the stores…
Ireland’s ‘Astonishing’ Boost for Cycling and Walking
A former bike shop owner has secured a substantial financial settlement for active travel in the Republic of Ireland. For the next five years, cycling and walking schemes—including protected cycling networks and expanded sidewalks—will receive €360 million (A$587 million) annually or A$2.93 billion over five years. 20% of Ireland’s transport budget will go to walking…
Major Survey of Cycling Attitudes Yields Promising Results
Bicycles Online, Australia’s largest specialist online bicycle retailer, recently conducted a survey of 2,180 people Australia-wide via a wide range of sources beyond just their customer database. 56% of respondents are cycling more now since lockdown, 46% say this behavioural change is permanent, and 23% have said less traffic has increased their confidence riding on…
Shimano, Trek Respond to Covid-19 Impact Upon Demand
Shimano’s shares have surged since mid-March, touching a record now investors see that more and more people will turn to bicycles as a way to avoid congested public transportation. The Japanese component supplier confirms that sales are picking up across the globe. “People are realising how effective a bicycle can be,” said Shimano’s CEO Yozo…
How is Your Work / Life Balance?
Surveys show that self-employed business owners on average work longer hours than typical wage earners. You don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface with many business people before you’ll hear a comment like, ‘I know I should be spending more time with my family’ or ‘I wish I could spend more time with…
City of Brisbane Commits $58 million For Cycleways
In his budget speech on Tuesday 16th June, City of Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that $58 million will be spent in the next two years on major cycleway projects and $16.6 million over four years on making the Brisbane CBD more pedestrian and bike friendly. Cycleway projects include completing the Indooroopilly Riverwalk and…