Kate Hall, CDP, BA’s Post

What's better than a business created to solve a societal problem? A business that solves two. XO bikes is a bike shop with a difference. Firstly it sells refurbished bikes (mostly unclaimed bikes donated by the Met Police ) which avoids tonnes of material wastage - a great sustainability story. Secondly, they employ prison leavers, re-training them as bike mechanics. That's a huge deal because 75% of UK businesses won’t employ ex-offenders so many go on to re-offend. Creating a vicious cycle. Thanks to Kingsley James for telling me about them. Check 'em out:

When in comes to who has the biggest market share of mid-mount e-bike drivetrain systems few dispute that Bosch is the leader. According to one industry expert, for the European market Bosch has a 60% market share, followed by Shimano at 22%, Bafang at 8% and all others combined for the final 10%. It’s probably less dominant outside of Europe. Bosch, which is privately owned by a charitable foundation, doesn’t usually disclose financial information but according to electrifiedmag.com, claiming that their source was Bosch itself, the company sold 1.5 million drive systems in 2020 with a value of 1.1 billion Euros (A$1.76 billion.) Continue reading... #bosch #shimano

⚠️ Cheapest option ≠ quality, safety, or reliability This article dives into why low costs could mean higher risks when it comes to finding the right wheelchair accessible van for your program ➡️ https://hubs.ly/Q02jSDWP0 #QualityOverPrice #WheelchairVan

I've been part of the UK road safety community for 20 years, and it still amazes me that preventing road deaths and injuries isn't seen as a vote-winner. It just doesn’t add up. Why wouldn't any government want to reduce road crashes and the widespread suffering they cause? There's all that rhetoric in the media about a "war on the motorist," but within local communities, road safety remains a top priority. Why have we, as a country, sat back and watched as five people are killed on our roads every single day for over a decade? It's as if we've accepted this number as the inevitable cost of motorisation. We've stopped trying. "It's just one of those things." "Road crashes are bound to happen." "We’ve got some of the safest roads in the world compared to other countries..." Well done to Jamie Hassall, Kumar Niketan and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety for coordinating this manifesto and bringing together so many road safety organisations and others in support. I’ve never seen collaboration on this scale within the road safety community👏 Whoever comes into power in July, it has never been easier for them to make a real difference in reducing UK road casualties after years of stagnation. The four clear and proven priorities outlined in the manifesto will save lives. FACT. I genuinely believe that the party that steps up and delivers these priorities will be hailed as heroes by the public. What could be a better political triumph than saving lives and protecting communities?

Absolutely agree! 🚴♂️ In a world where bike theft is on the rise—especially with expensive e-bikes—it's more important than ever to provide secure parking facilities that offer the same level of protection that cars receive. Bikes and e-bikes deserve solid, secure parking solutions that ensure peace of mind for cyclists. With the right infrastructure in place, we can encourage more people to choose sustainable transport while safeguarding their investments. Secure parking isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity for forward-thinking cities and campuses. Let’s prioritize cyclist safety and security! 🔒 #SmartMobility #SustainableTransport #BikeSecurity #Micromobility

🚲 Whitepaper for providers: Simplifying bicycle parking management 📄 For providers of bike parking facilities, addressing the demand for secure and convenient solutions is becoming increasingly important in today’s mobility landscape. ParkMyBike addresses these needs with a comprehensive, smart solution designed to simplify bicycle parking management. 🔐 This whitepaper delves into the integration of ParkMyBike's solutions for providers of bicycle safes. It outlines the specific advantages for facility managers, spanning from administration and supervision to the practical implementation of ParkMyBike. 📲🔒 Ready to innovate your bike parking solutions? Download the whitepaper now! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e8HXv442

When I made the move to my new position at World Bicycle Relief in March, I prioritized working for an organization with deep impact. An org. where I knew my skills as a development practitioner would be well served. WBR distributes their terrain-and-needs-specific engineered Buffalo Bicycles as a mobility conduit for development globally, helping to ensure that individuals, and in particular women and children, have increased access to education, health resources, and opportunities for economic mobility. Some of their outcomes from 2023 include: - Improvements in educational attendance, with students in Kenya experiencing an 81% decrease in tardiness and Zambia seeing school absences drop by nearly 90%. - Significant reductions in travel time to school, with Buffalo Bicycles cutting down travel time by up to 44%, enabling students to focus more on their studies. - Empowering healthcare workers, with over 85% reporting an increase in the number of clients they can see, supported by a 50% reduction in travel time. - Enhancing livelihoods and reducing expenses, with over 95% of Buffalo Bicycle recipients in Malawi and Zimbabwe reporting a boost in household income levels, and participants in Zimbabwe and Kenya experiencing a 50% reduction in transportation costs. I have attached a video that was posted last week by Seth of Seth's Bike Hacks and Berm Peak. It shares the engineering marvels of WBR's Buffalo Bike, and details why this bike, and the holistic infrastructure WBR creates in communities, uniquely is able to grow real and measurable developmental impact. If you know me, you know that I geek out about working to reverse social and economic inequities, and to address gendered disadvantages. I also thrive in arenas where I can help build partnerships and to grow relationships with committed individuals and organizations. The chance to shift my work from a national context to a global framework, working with peers and partners in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia is frankly just icing on the cake for me. If you are interested in learning more about WBR, or want to help me support their work in any way, please do not hesitate. I look forward to those convos.

The Micromobility M&A Cycle Ramps Up 📈 Following the Dott x TIER Mobility merger, nextbike fundraise and Clear Channel Outdoor’s acquisition of Urban Infrastructure Partner who operate several systems in Norway, the US market has also made some ground in the M&A arena. Bicycle Transit Systems has announced they will be acquired their long-term software and hardware partner BCycle from Trek Bicycle. 🤝🏻 the acquisition includes all BCycle’s contracts, software, hardware, R&D and all staff. 🚲 BTS will take over the operation of the 10 systems that were owned and operated by BCycle inc. Santa Barbara, Madison & Boulder. 📱hardware (bikes & docking stations), software and support will continue to be provided to 15 other non-owned and operated systems, most of which are run by non-profits. The timing of the announcement follows Lyfts announcement that although they will be laying off 1% of staff, primarily in R&D, that they will be doubling down on docked 🚲 and 🛴’s. Strategically, the move makes sense making BTS the only ‘all-in-one’ shared bikeshare provider in North America and provides Lyft some significant competition 🇺🇸 However, taking over hardware supply chain, manufacturing and R&D is a bold move in any market, especially micromobility and non-profit operators utilising BCycle technology will be concerned of price increases in the new year that may make ongoing operations untenable, allowing BTS to take over. One things for certain, this industry is full of surprises and there will be at least one more big announcement before the end of the year! #bikeshare #bikesharing #micromobility https://lnkd.in/d5nAKPkn

Road Safety Week 17th-23rd November 2024 As we start the "Road Safety Week" delivered by Brake (the road safety charity), we should consider the stopping distance of our vehicles; this will depend on your attention, the road surface, the weather conditions, and your vehicle. We acknowledge there are several factors that affect stopping distance: Your Attention: Being alert and focused can significantly reduce reaction time. Road Surface: Wet, icy, or uneven surfaces can increase stopping distance. Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can affect visibility and road grip. Your Vehicle: The condition of your brakes, tyres, and overall vehicle maintenance play a crucial role. It’s always good to keep these factors in mind to ensure safe driving. Do you have any specific questions about driving safety or vehicle maintenance? www.safe2drive.co.uk #RoadSafetyWeek

Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of Parkrun, founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt. What began as a grassroots initiative is now a global running phenomenon. Over 20 years, Parkrun has built a brand that resonates with runners of all abilities, offering a welcoming, non-competitive 5K run, walk, or jog. With over 10 million members in more than 2,500 locations globally, Parkrun sees 350,000 participants every Saturday. It remains free for everyone, fostering a sense of community where the focus is not just on fitness but also on camaraderie and support. In the past year, Parkrun has grown to include 22 countries and engaged 1.5 million participants. Initiatives like parkwalk further inclusivity, while partnerships with 2,000 GP surgeries reinforce its role in promoting physical and mental well-being. What sets Parkrun apart is its commitment to community. While billion-dollar brands may prioritize profit over people, Parkrun remains focused on its mission to serve. It’s a testament to the power of genuine connection, leaving a legacy that’s more than just financial. Parkrun’s simplicity and accessibility, driven by Sinton-Hewitt’s vision, have cemented it as a beloved fixture in communities worldwide, with a bright future ahead as it continues to grow even in the remotest areas. More stuff https://mangomoon.io