BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

The UK, Canadian, German, Swiss, and American divisions of Raleigh Cycle Ltd. are in robust financial health, CEO Alan Finden-Crofts announced today. The UK operation is the most improved of the bunch but across the board there's been a 7.3 increase in bicycle sales and a $7m year-on-year uplift in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization

A Scottish police chief and Aberdeen city council's roads officials have objected to plans for two separate bicycle-rickshaw taxi services. Chief Inspector Mark McLaren believes the pedicabs will be a hazard because of sidewinds; the roads wonks are worried the rickshaws will lead to increased congestion in Aberdeen city centre.

Google's end-of-year zeitgeist report "offers a unique perspective on the year's major events and trends." Like last year, Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France feature high on the list of searched for terms. And, in Froogle's sports and hobby section, online shoppers are clearly keen on bicycles, with the term 'mountain bike' being third on the list.

It'll likely be much better than your average corporate newsletter because Dahon Dispatch will be written and edited by ace journalist James Raia, the Tour de France guru.

From 1st January there was a shift in liability for some types of card fraud from UK banks to UK retailers. And all because of Chip and PIN. The CEO of the Forum of Private Business said the banks are guilty of greed, complacency and incompetence. Retailers on the BBS have also complained. Here are some links which may, or may not, help settle the dust...