Following the show’s slogan “Ride the Revolution”, the pre-show press conference at Taipei Cycle saw high-profile representatives of Taiwan’s trade office and bike industry welcome international media, followed by an opportunity to ride select new bicycles on a test track that stretches beyond Nangang Exhibition Center’s hall 2.
This year’s edition of Taipei Cycle is structured around four core themes that are likely to define the future of the bicycle industry both globally and in Taiwan. These four themes are the drive for innovation, smart cycling, sustainability and the cycling ecosystem. As the electrification of bicycles has made its way into almost all segments, the technology of e-drive systems, batteries and the software that matches the power output to the situation at hand has seen a rapid evolution. And by connecting e-bikes to the cloud, there are plenty of additional functions for consumers, bicycle dealers and manufacturers alike that are set to make the lives of all of them easier. Think theft-protection, terrain-based range calculation or the early detection of possible issues that can be addressed by means of an over-the-air update as examples for smart functions.
ESG topics continue to shape the bicycle industry and the way it designs and produces its products. This commitment to sustainability has been billed as “Green Forward” by the organizers of Taipei Cycle, and it is leaving its marks in both the design & innovation awards that have seen 150 submissions from 11 countries this year and in the Bike Vision Start-up Zone that at its second edition features 11 start-ups from 7 countries who are looking to convince venture capitalists and investors of their business ideas and concepts. The pitch and demo sessions are going to be held at a dedicated area in hall 4. Last but not least Taipei Cycle is collaborating with SGS to curate a Green Forward Sustainability Tour featuring 35 exhibitors that set themselves apart in terms of eco-friendly manufacturing, low-carbon technologies, and circular economy solutions.
In his welcome addresses, TAITRA’s president and CEO Simon Wang welcomed all to the show and the bike demo. According to Wang this year’s Taipei Cycle counts a total of 980 exhibitors from 35 countries that occupy 3600 booths. “With the design & innovation awards we celebrate innovation, eco-friendly mobility and low-carbon solutions, all of which are ESG-related topics”, Simon Wang explained, adding: “As cycling evolves, the bicycle industry steps into a new era of opportunity. So now is the time to not just talk about a revolution but to ride it!”
As the chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) Robert Wu stressed the essential importance of networking and the exchange of ideas. “We have added senior panel discussions on sustainable supply chains and investments in cycling, but also on the role of high-profile sports events to promote cycling as a new element to the show. 36 years in, TBA is still excited to be a co-organizer of Taipei Cycle. We only have one Earth and no plan or planet B, so let’s work together to build a better and more sustainable world. Keep Pedaling!”
This year’s edition of Taipei Cycle is taking place from March 26 to March 29 at Taipei’s Nangang Exhibition Center, occupying the floors 1, 4 and 5 in the NEX1 hall and the 4th floor in the NEX2 hall.