Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia Associations
The BC Cycling Coalition | A voice for active and practical transportation in British Columbia, the BC Cycling Coalition works with agencies to influence changes that make cycling safer and more accessible throughout the province. Check out their reports and work, including e-bike rebates for individuals and for businesses and the Motor Vehicle Act Reform.
CyclingBC | CyclingBC is the provincial body for the governing of cycling in British Columbia, representing all types of cycling.
Canadian Associations
Canadian Electric Bicycle Association | CEBA represents consumers, retailers, and others involved in the electric bike industry in Canada. Their goal is to build a solid foundation of information to support the ebike industry. You can join as an individual, dealer, or ebike manufacturer.
International Associations
National Bicycle Dealers Association | The NBDA is a US-based association representing the specialty bicycle retail industry. Check out their services for retailers, including the Retailer Event Fund.
People for Bikes | People for Bikes is an organization that aims to ensure bicycles are prioritized and positioned as solutions to improve health, transportation, and connect communities. Check out their research and advocacy on the topic, including their Environmental Statistics and their Protected Bike Lane Statistics.
Professional Bike Mechanics Association | PBMA seeks to advocate for, promote, and develop professional bike mechanics. They offer several funding opportunities for people from communities underrepresented in the industry, and an extensive library on all things bicycle mechanics and management.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Cycling Magazine | Canadian Cycling features comprehensive gear reviews, training guides, health and nutrition information, and cycling news and events. Published 6 times per year; both digital and print formats.
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News | A comprehensive print and online resource for the bicycle retail industry, Bicycle Retailer includes sections for retail news, opinion, new products, and recall of products.
Bicycling Magazine |A road biking, mountain bike, and cycling magazine that features bike reviews and gear, cycling tips, and training articles. Published 11 times per year. You can also subscribe to their daily newsletter to keep up on what’s happening in the world of cycling.
BIKE Magazine | BIKE Magazine features the world's best mountain bike photos, videos, news, gear, reviews, trails, athletes, race results and much more.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
- Sports Profile
- Travel and Leisure Profile
- Coaching and Sports Training Profile
- Transportation Profile
- Bicycle Mechanics
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Winterborne Bicycle Institute | Located in Dundas, Ontario, the Winterborne Bicycle Institute provides on- and off-site consulting for bicycle mechanics, as well as intensive classes designed to teach individuals the tools of the trade.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Outspokin’ Blog | From the National Bicycle Dealers’ Association, Outspokin’ brings together the stories and resources you need to run a modern, successful bike shop. They feature a variety of contributors, including cycling advocates and small bike business owners, and include shop profiles, financial resources, and sales tips. Check out their regular feature, How To Run A Profitable Bike Shop.
The Denman Bike Shop Blog | The Denman Bike Shop, located on Denman Street in Vancouver, personalizes their business and wares by writing about bicycling in British Columbia, topics such as locking one’s bike correctly, and pedaling (pun intended) their latest bike offerings.
The Bike Cooperative | The Bike Cooperative unites independent bicycle retailers across the United States in search of empowerment for local cycling retail. Their blog topics concern tips, tricks, advice, and writings on staying ahead of the pack in both trend and technology.
My Bike Shop Blog | Geared toward cycling enthusiasts, the My Bike Shop blog offers tips and tricks on cycling performance and recovery.
Podcasts
Bicycle Retail Radio | The NBDA’s bicycle industry podcast brings retailers, vendors, advocates, and thought leaders to the mic for honest discussions about the latest issues facing retailers, while taking an in-depth look at the person within the profession.
Bike Shop Show | Based out of Michigan, the Bike Shop Show is focused mostly on all things bike mechanics. Listen to episode series on wheelbuilding challenges and guest interviews on summer cycling.
Road is Dead | A show that is not so much about bike shop industry or management as hosted in a bike shop, Road is Dead nevertheless features talks, interviews, and debates about cycling. It regularly talks about news from within the industry as well as events, with a focus on Midwestern land riders.
Bike Shop Society | Bike Shop Society’s mission is to construct a better biking experience. This laid-back podcasts takes comments and messages from all sorts of people involved in the industry, whether the management side, retail side, or enthusiast side, and concerns day-to-day life at the bike shop in addition to news on larger trends in the biking industry.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.