Into the future with ONE strong voice: bicycle industry associations agree merger
Berlin, 23 April 2026 | Germany’s two leading bicycle industry associations, Zukunft Fahrrad and the ZIV, are to merge next year to form a joint association. The members of both associations voted unanimously in favour of the merger at their respective annual meeting – the ZIV already on 14 April in Hamburg and Zukunft Fahrrad today in Berlin. All necessary steps can now be taken to launch the joint association in April 2027. The aim is to represent the bicycle industry even more effectively as a central force in business, politics and society.
More influence and service for members
The merger will yield tangible benefits for the companies active in the bicycle industry. «With the joint association, we will pool our strengths and speak with one voice – this will strengthen the position of the entire industry.
As the central point of contact for policymakers and the media, the new association will represent the bicycle industry’s interests at the national, European and international levels. It will also advocate in the political arena for the framework conditions needed to unlock the full potential of the bicycle industry. The collaboration will enable the bicycle industry to organise itself more effectively, drive the development of standards more rapidly and efficiently, respond jointly to regulations and foster lasting growth.
As the central point of contact for policymakers and the media, the new association will represent the bicycle industry’s interests at the national, European and international levels. It will also advocate in the political arena for the framework conditions needed to unlock the full potential of the bicycle industry. The collaboration will enable the bicycle industry to organise itself more effectively, drive the development of standards more rapidly and efficiently, respond jointly to regulations and foster lasting growth.
Maximum impact in times of political headwind
The current political framework conditions are particularly challenging. A joint association will present a strong united front in ministries and parliaments, which will in turn yield advantages, for example, when it comes to contributing to the preparation of political decisions that foster innovation or improve infrastructure. «In light of the ongoing difficult political and economic situation, it is crucial that we unite as one bicycle industry and speak with one strong voice. Only in this way can we set the necessary course for our industry and secure and expand Germany’s position as an innovation hub,» explains Zukunft Fahrrad’s Managing Director, Wasilis von Rauch.
Common goal: to make cycling the first choice
Cycling should be a natural part of everyday life – in daily mobility, commercial transport, leisure and travel. A strong bicycle industry provides the necessary products and services, thereby creating the basis for active, healthy and inclusive mobility. The new association will use its combined influence to pursue this vision and continue to strengthen the German bicycle industry and Germany’s position as a leading global market.
Press contact
ZIV – German Bicycle Industry
The ZIV is the national representative and a strong voice for the German and international bicycle industry, including importers and wholesalers as well as established businesses and start-ups from the entire bicycle ecosystem. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents the interests of around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. Around ninety percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2025 were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market.
Press contact
ZIV – German Bicycle Industry, Reinhardtstraße 7, 10117 Berlin, +49 30 439 735 770, presse@ziv-zweirad.de
Zukunft Fahrrad
Zukunft Fahrrad brings together more than 100 companies from the bicycle industry, from start-ups to global leaders. With innovative products and services, the industry helps make people and companies mobile, creates sustainable jobs and drives regional economic growth. Germany is a leading international market and innovation hub for bicycles and e-bikes. Zukunft Fahrrad is committed to safeguarding and expanding this competitive edge. zukunft-fahrrad.org
Press contact
Mareike Schodder, Zukunft Fahrrad, Reinhardtstr. 31, 10117 Berlin, +49 160 79 580 27, mareike-schodder@zukunft-fahrrad.org
The ZIV is the national representative and a strong voice for the German and international bicycle industry, including importers and wholesalers as well as established businesses and start-ups from the entire bicycle ecosystem. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents the interests of around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. Around ninety percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2025 were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market.
Press contact
ZIV – German Bicycle Industry, Reinhardtstraße 7, 10117 Berlin, +49 30 439 735 770, presse@ziv-zweirad.de
Zukunft Fahrrad
Zukunft Fahrrad brings together more than 100 companies from the bicycle industry, from start-ups to global leaders. With innovative products and services, the industry helps make people and companies mobile, creates sustainable jobs and drives regional economic growth. Germany is a leading international market and innovation hub for bicycles and e-bikes. Zukunft Fahrrad is committed to safeguarding and expanding this competitive edge. zukunft-fahrrad.org
Press contact
Mareike Schodder, Zukunft Fahrrad, Reinhardtstr. 31, 10117 Berlin, +49 160 79 580 27, mareike-schodder@zukunft-fahrrad.org