Berlin, May 28 – The German bicycle industry is establishing a new congress format in Berlin, following disputes surrounding the Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt. The event, titled “Towards tomorrow – Cycling Industry Convention 2026,” is scheduled for November 5, 2026, and aims to develop perspectives for stable growth and strengthen the industry’s political influence.
New Congress to Address Key Industry Challenges
The new congress, organized by the specialist trade association VSF, the bicycle industry’s association ZIV, and “Zukunft Fahrrad,” seeks to address several critical issues facing the sector. A primary objective is to secure the legal status of widely used e-bikes (pedelecs) as bicycles. Additionally, the convention will focus on advancing topics such as leasing and digitalization within the industry.
This new format replaces the “Vivavelo” event, which has been held for 16 years, signaling a strategic shift for the industry. The decision to create a new congress comes after the ZIV terminated its collaboration with the Eurobike trade fair. The Eurobike event, which moved from Friedrichshafen to Frankfurt some years ago, has reportedly struggled with declining visitor and exhibitor numbers, and its perceived lack of political relevance was a significant point of contention.
Industry Navigates Post-Pandemic Decline
The German bicycle industry is currently facing significant challenges, including declining sales and overproduction, particularly after a period of successful growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Towards tomorrow” congress is therefore a crucial step for industry stakeholders to collectively strategize and adapt to the evolving market landscape.
The event is expected to bring together key players from various segments of the bicycle industry, including manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers, to discuss the future direction and sustainability of the sector. By focusing on political engagement and innovation, the industry hopes to overcome current difficulties and establish a more robust foundation for future growth.
The emphasis on securing the legal status of e-bikes highlights the growing importance of electric bicycles in the market and the need for clear regulatory frameworks to support their continued adoption. Similarly, the focus on leasing and digitalization reflects broader trends in consumer behavior and technological advancement that are reshaping the transportation sector.
Towards a Unified and Influential Bicycle Sector
The establishment of a unified congress in the capital city of Berlin underscores the industry’s intent to consolidate its voice and exert greater influence on political decisions that affect its operations and growth. By fostering collaboration among its diverse stakeholders, the German bicycle industry aims to present a cohesive front in advocating for policies that support cycling as a sustainable and integral mode of transport.
The “Towards tomorrow – Cycling Industry Convention 2026” represents a proactive response from the German bicycle industry to current market pressures and a commitment to shaping a positive future for cycling in Germany and beyond. The outcomes of this congress will be closely watched by industry observers and cycling enthusiasts alike, as they could set new precedents for how the sector addresses its challenges and opportunities.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/fahrradbranche-schafft-neuen-kongress-in-berlin-id335489
