The Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability is one of the most important sustainability initiatives in the international cycling industry. Two years after its founding, it has already produced several success stories. An overview.
There are many forums and discussion panels on sustainability in the bicycle industry these days, but the Taiwanese Bicycle Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), an exclusive industry forum solely focused on sustainability, aims to standout by presenting itself on the global stage. On the second day of this year’s Taipei Cycle Show, BAS hosted the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability ESG Initiative Forum, with many heavyhitters in attendance, including the Taiwan Bicycle Association, Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, as well as international cycling associations like World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry, Cycling Industries Europe and European Bicycle Manufacturers Association. The goal: to discuss the sustainable development of the cycling industry in terms of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG).
The BAS ESG Initiative Forum not only attracted high-ranking representatives from diverse bicycle organizations but also it marked one of the first times the two-year-old Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability presented itself on a global stage. The clear message: Taiwanese companies want to take a leading role in the industry’s sustainability efforts. It’s no coincidence that BAS Chairman and Giant CEO Yong-chang Liu stated that he hopes this initiative forum will raise more awareness among members of the bicycle industry and inspire more companies to implement ESG practices, guiding the bicycle industry toward a sustainable future. It was a message that resonated thanks to the high-ranking participants of the ESG Forum, making the event a major success for the relatively young BAS.
The Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability has big Goals
At this year’s Taichung Bike Week, the organization, which bears a strong resemblance in structure to the former Taiwanese A-Team, is celebrating its second anniversary. Under the leadership of the Giant Group, 33 members of the Taiwanese bicycle industry founded the BAS in the fall of 2022. Two years later, its membership number has grown to over 80, including famous names such as Merida, Joy Industrial, Fritz Jou, Velo, Tektro, Marwi, Kenda and many more.
“BAS continues to grow. That shows that the initiative has already achieved one of its primary goals: to raise awareness within the Taiwanese bicycle industry to reduce carbon emissions and ensure sustainable production,” said Charlie Liu, Representative of BAS and Project Manager at Giant Group, during a Show Daily interview in spring 2024, where he also gave deeper insights into the work of the organization. “For instance, we aim to cut down 25 percent or 40 kilograms of CO2 equivalent emissions per bicycle by 2030 and to reduce our carbon footprint by 3 percent annually. Another objective is to measure our CO2 emissions. We’ve observed significant progress among our members, many of whom are well on their way to achieving these goals. The enthusiasm and quick action from everyone involved is truly remarkable.”
Another key goal of the BAS is to rally the Taiwanese bicycle industry together to share ESG information and learn. “That’s why all BAS members are also encouraged to report their progress. This way, we can learn from each other. For example, at one of our last meetings, the topic was recycled material. One company had a lot to report on this, which benefits everyone,” Liu explained.
Many success stories in the Taiwanese bicycle industry
The ESG Forum during Taipei Cycle showcased what this looks like in practice. There, several companies presented their ESG initiatives, which were supported by BAS. VP Components, for example, shared its experience in setting mid-term carbon reduction goals, following the Science Based Targets Initiative’s carbon reduction pathways and strategies, and presented energy-saving case studies as it progresses towards carbon neutrality. Velo also shared its ESG projects, highlighting efforts to use recycled materials in products, reduce and substitute materials, and cut plastic in packaging, which has helped lower the carbon footprint of its products.
Among the other representatives who showcased their developments was Fritz Jou Manufacturing, which presented practical examples in the field of social responsibility, highlighting the bicycle industry’s commitment and contribution to society. And Merida Industry shared the results of adopting an “air quality purification zone,” which can reduce 36.337 tons of CO2e emissions annually. The company also made significant efforts in reducing plastic packaging, thereby decreasing white pollution and carbon emissions. Another success: 84 percent of BAS members have already measured or begun tracking their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
The Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability has high ambitions
When asked about the various initiatives from Taiwanese companies that are becoming increasingly visible, Charlie Liu told The Show Daily: “Things are definitely happening. I also believe that Taiwan is very well-positioned to make rapid progress. As an island landscape, our resources are limited, which means that conservation is deeply ingrained in us. I think the bicycle industry knows that it needs to take action, and we are seeing that happen.”
His statement suggests that the BAS’s high-profile presence at the Taipei Cycle Show was just the beginning. This is further evidenced by the fact that BAS, together with Taiwan Excellence, held a dedicated press conference at Eurobike, where they introduced BAS to European media representatives. Additionally, this summer saw the launch of the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability website where the organization reports about its initiatives. In short, BAS has great ambitions to position Taiwan’s bicycle industry as a leader in global efforts toward a more sustainable cycling world.