Two of Germany’s leading bicycle associations, ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad, have officially withdrawn their support for Eurobike, citing strategic and structural disagreements with the organisers. Their joint paper outlines ten key points they see as crucial for the future of the industry’s flagship trade fair.
The decision by two of Germany’s most influential bicycle industry associations – ZIV – The German Bicycle Industry and Zukunft Fahrrad – to end their collaboration with Eurobike marks a significant turning point for Europe’s largest bicycle trade fair. According to a joint paper compiled by the ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad, numerous structural and strategic differences had grown between the associations and the show organisers. SHOW DAILY summarises the ten main points that led to the split.
1. Equal Status for Everyday Mobility, Leisure and Sport
The associations demand that Eurobike give everyday mobility, leisure, and performance cycling equal importance and link these areas meaningfully within the concept of the fair. They argue that the industry’s strength lies precisely in the coexistence and interaction of these segments, and that no single category should dominate the narrative of the show.
2. Present the Full Diversity of the Bicycle Ecosystem
They call for a stronger focus on the entire cycling ecosystem, including transport and logistics, fleet management, commercial uses, family and child mobility, sharing, subscriptions, and related services. According to the associations, Eurobike must reflect the reality of modern cycling culture, where bicycles are part of broader mobility, service, and infrastructure systems.
3. Recognise EPAC25 as a Core Form of Active Mobility
ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad insist that EPAC25 and muscle-powered bicycles must remain at the core of Eurobike. They reject the planned shift of EPAC25 into the Mobifuture format and stress that the separation of categories would fragment the industry’s presentation and weaken Eurobike’s position as the leading cycling trade fair.
4. Accept the Changing Industry Framework
The associations acknowledge that in-house events by brands have changed the trade fair landscape and that ordering is no longer Eurobike’s main function. They call for a clear strategic realignment that recognises this transformation and focuses on content, innovation exchange, and international visibility instead of pure business transactions.
5. Reaffirm Eurobike’s Role as a Global and European Industry Platform
Eurobike should remain the world’s leading trade fair for the global bicycle industry, with a clear European footprint. The associations believe that Germany’s location gives the event a unique advantage, which must be used to attract European and global brands back to the show and position Eurobike as a truly continental hub.
6. Ensure Fair and Flexible Participation Options
ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad call for a revamp of exhibitor options, including modular and scalable stand formats, smaller “highlight stands,” and a review of the sharp rise in stand prices. They argue that more accessible and cost-effective formats would lower barriers for SMEs and help rebuild exhibitor diversity and brand presence.
7. Focus on Relevance Instead of Size
They oppose the goal of having “as many visitors as possible” and instead want “as many relevant and interested visitors as possible.” In their view, quality and focus are key to restoring Eurobike’s credibility, ensuring that each audience group—from retailers to policymakers—finds targeted and meaningful engagement opportunities.
8. Integrate Related Vehicles Without Formal Separation
The associations reject plans to separate EPAC45, heavy e-cargo bikes, or other related vehicles into a parallel trade fair. Instead, they advocate for integration under one umbrella, arguing that the future of mobility depends on cross-category exchange rather than dividing technologies and audiences into isolated formats.
9. Adjust the Duration and Programme
They recommend three trade visitor days and a maximum of two public days to create a balanced schedule for business and consumer engagement. Until a new concept is developed, they propose reducing the programme to a few clearly defined trend topics that offer genuine added value for both exhibitors and visitors.
10. Strengthen Political Relevance and Visibility
Finally, the associations urge Eurobike to emphasise the political and societal importance of the bicycle and micromobility industry as a “future industry.” They want the show to send clear messages to policymakers and the public about the economic and environmental significance of cycling, supported by better event timing outside Bundestag sessions.
Eurobike’s Reaction
Eurobike comments on the 10 points and the decision of the associations: “Over the last few months, we have been in close and constructive dialogue with industry players and have received valuable input from across the sector – through industry surveys as well as requirements from the associations themselves in the form of a ’10-point plan’ – on how to develop Eurobike further.
Many of these suggestions were implemented immediately and have already been communicated: Amongst these are the adjustment of the duration of the trade fair, the introduction of multiple options for exhibitors to contribute to the trade fair, as well as the realignment of the congress program.
Additionally, an advisory board will be established with the involvement of Eurobike’s different target audiences to accompany the further development of the event permanently. Stephan Kurzawski from Messe Frankfurt will serve as its chair. In the interest of the industry and its players, we are also working on further concept development and adaptation measures to ensure the continuous progress of the trade fair.
In light of this, we are surprised by the decision of the industry associations, as the dialogue between all parties was conducted in an objective and solution-oriented manner. It is our goal to work together with the industry and our partners from trade and politics to continuously develop Eurobike and strengthen its standing as the leading trade fair in a national and international context.
Summary
The end of the collaboration between ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad and Eurobike reflects a growing divide over the strategic direction of Europe’s largest bicycle trade fair. While the associations are calling for a stronger industry focus, clearer positioning, and more flexible structures, Eurobike emphasises that many of these points are already being addressed.
In a statement, the organisers expressed surprise at the decision, highlighting recent changes such as a shorter event duration, new exhibitor formats, and the creation of an advisory board. Both sides underline their intention to continue dialogue – suggesting that the future of Eurobike will depend on how effectively the fair can balance tradition, innovation, and the diverse expectations of the industry.