Despite the worries about the current economic situation, the 67th edition of the EICMA Milan International bike show began in style, with huge crowds visiting the many stands, and a sense of optimism amongst the 250 companies showing their new products for 2010.
One of the biggest factors creating the optimism is the announcement of further government incentives announced by Environment minister Stefania Prestigiacomo during the official opening of the show. Another factor is the constantly growing understanding at a local political and public level of the need to give cyclists more chances to use the bicycle as a means of transport, as is the case in so many other European countries.
Milan is now the capital of cycling in Italy, with over 100 bike stations and 1350 bikes available. It is a determined response to pollution and something that is set to be copied by other cities. As a consequence, EICMA is a key shop window for everyone on two wheels. Not only city bikes and commuters, but also electric bikes and race bikes using the latest technology.
It’s easy to see the search for perfection is now widely seen in every model. Some bikes are even cult items, such as the Urban Sport Montecarlo model by Montante, that costs 12,000 Euro.
Naturally there were several cycling stars at the bike show, including sprinter Alessandro Petacchi.
There were also several interesting workshops such as “The bicycle and a sense of territory” which evidenced the potential of cycling tourism. The “2009: the bike explodes” Forum attracted numerous experts who discussed the recent growing trend in bike use.
Huge crowds are expected on Sunday for the Pedalata Azzurra ride organised by EICMA and Italian Cycling Federation.
Of course, as is tradition, the EICMA show is free for women.
Milan
, September 19, 2009.