Major players in the cycling industry committed to climate
Key figures of the cycling sector have joined an initiative dedicated to combating climate change as part of a free training program. The association Shift Cycling Culture has brought together eight major companies from the cycling industry to improve the sector’s ecological footprint. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise awareness among industry players about the environmental impact of bicycle manufacturing.
Participation of influential companies
Large multinationals such as Accell, Canyon, Quality Bicycle Products, Rose, Schindelhauer, Schwalbe, Scott, and Trek have committed to this initiative, which takes the form of an online training. This program, although open to all, is particularly suited to executives and technicians. It invites all stakeholders, including suppliers, to take this course, offered in English and soon in Mandarin and Vietnamese. This approach is part of a context where a significant portion of production is outsourced to Asia, thus exporting pollution and emissions from American and European companies.
Awareness and concrete actions
The project initiators emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the crucial role of production sites in reducing emissions and providing them with appropriate resources. The training focuses on three main areas: the knowledge base for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions; how to set reduction targets and track progress; and relevant case studies on solutions to reduce emissions.
The association leading this project estimates that up to 95% of equivalent carbon emissions are due to suppliers, especially during the research, extraction, transformation, and production of raw materials used for bicycles and their components. While design, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, and sales also play a part, it remains essential that players at every level of the industry can understand and evaluate the climate impact of their activities.
Although the production, sale, and use of bicycles inevitably generate carbon emissions, it is crucial to work towards reducing the impact of this activity which combines sustainable transportation, sport, and pleasant leisure. Moreover, two informational meetings will be held on November 13 and 14 to present this initiative and provide more details on the available training.
