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The Bicycle Association of Great Britain (BAGB) and the British Electric Bicycle Association (BEBA) have announced their amalgamation, to become one trade association representing the complete spectrum of the cycle manufacturing and distribution industry in the UK.
Revealed at the BA AGM last week, the amalgamation will be a progressive process to bring the two organisations into one, over a 12 to 18 month timescale.
With immediate effect, Mark Loveridge, chairman of BEBA, will join the Council of the BAGB, and BEBA will be represented on the BA’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG), headed by Alan Cater, with special responsibilities for all issues concerning regulations, safety and advice to government on electrically assisted pedal cycles.
Members of BEBA will be invited to attend all BAGB general meetings and members of the BAGB may attend BEBA meetings.
“This is a timely and important step to harmonise our working relationships across the cycle industry," said Phillip Darnton, executive director of BAGB. "While the sales of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCS) in the UK are still very small, it is by far the fastest growing sector in all European cycle markets, and represents the most important innovation for over a decade.
"Having one organisation committed to providing ‘one voice’ for the industry is of paramount importance in our relationships with government, Westminster and all key stakeholders. I have no doubt that this will be a signally successful merger with real benefits to all parties.”
BEBA chairman Mark Loveridge added: “When we established BEBA in 2009, we were determined to create a major focus on the new sector of EAPCS, and to give it a distinct image in the cycling world. Over the last three years, we have made considerable progress in developing the awareness, interest and sales of EAPCS in the UK.
"We now believe that the time is right to join forces with the BAGB to take forward this market sector; promote it industry-wide, and use our combined skills and strengths to lead the industry in realising the potential for electric travel.”
Left-to-right; Mark Bickerton, BA president; Mark Loveridge, BEBA chairman; Phillip Darnton, BA executive director.
