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January 27, 2026

How PeopleForBikes’ Committees Are Delivering for the Bike Industry in 2026

By: Dr. Ash Lovell, Vice President of Government Relations

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From defending the industry from trade and tariff threats to fueling faster, smarter decisions with better industry data, leaders across PeopleForBikes’ industry committees are working together to support bike businesses this year.

PeopleForBikes’ strength comes from industry leadership. Brands, retailers, suppliers, and advocates work together across our volunteer committees and working groups to tackle shared challenges and seize new opportunities that support and grow bicycling and the bike business nationwide. In 2026, these collaborative efforts are focused on protecting the industry from policy threats, advancing smart regulation, strengthening data for smarter decision-making, and building a more welcoming and resilient bike business ecosystem. Below is a look at what each PeopleForBikes committee is working on this year and why it matters to your business.

Trade + Federal Policy Leadership

Defending the bike industry from harmful trade actions while advancing pro-bike federal policy remains a top priority in 2026. With the guidance of our Coalition Board of Directors, Bicycle Product Suppliers Association Trade Association Committee (BPSA TAC), and the Legal, Legislative, and Safety Committee, PeopleForBikes will continue championing the industry’s trade agenda in Washington, D.C., with a clear emphasis on stability, predictability, and long-term growth. This includes defending against new Section 232 and 301 tariff threats so bike companies aren’t hit with sudden, destabilizing cost increases while deepening relationships with congressional champions of cycling to strengthen support for bicycling as a form of transportation, recreation, and economic development. At the federal level, PeopleForBikes will promote pro-bike business legislation and regulations and collaborate with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish clear, enforceable standards for e-bikes, e-bike batteries, and e-motos. Together, this work ensures the bike industry has a strong, informed, and unified voice in federal policymaking.

Domestic Manufacturing + Supply Chain Working Group

In 2026, this working group will unite industry leaders to address urgent domestic manufacturing and supply chain challenges while advancing the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act (H.R. 3904) to help American bike businesses remain resilient and competitive.

Electric Bicycle Committee

As electric bicycles continue to transform the bicycle market, smart, forward-thinking policy is essential to sustaining that momentum. The E-Bike Committee will guide the responsible growth of emerging electric bicycle technologies while championing model legislation for both e-bikes and e-motos, helping states and cities adopt clear, consistent regulatory frameworks that reduce confusion and risk. It will also support lithium-ion battery recycling legislation aligned with the industry-led Hungry For Batteries campaign.

Research + Statistics Committee

Data-driven decision-making is essential for effective advocacy and smart business planning. The Research and Statistics Committee will deliver mission-critical data and insights that support long-term industry success. A major focus will be advancing the Bicycle Industry Data Exchange to lay the groundwork for a stronger, industry-owned data platform that informs investments and supports smarter, faster business decisions.

Technical Standards Working Group

As regulations evolve, technical clarity becomes increasingly critical. The Technical Standards Working Group will lead the industry in developing consensus-based technical solutions to emerging regulatory challenges. The group will work directly with regulators to streamline e-bike battery and mechanical standards, reducing fragmentation and compliance risk across jurisdictions. This work helps manufacturers and suppliers operate more efficiently while meeting safety and regulatory expectations with confidence.

eMTB Working Group

Access remains a critical issue for electric mountain bikes in states across the country. The eMTB Working Group will align around practical policy solutions and work with federal land managers to promote a more harmonized approach to eMTB access. The goal is to reduce confusion, expand responsible riding opportunities, and ground access decisions in sound, consistent policy.

Sustainability Working Group

The Sustainability Working Group will monitor and engage on packaging requirements, battery recycling, extended producer responsibility policies, and other sustainability legislation and regulations to position the bike industry as a proactive leader in pro-business sustainability policy rather than a reactive follower responding to mandates.

Membership, Education, Events, and Marketing (MEEM) Committee

The MEEM Committee’s focus for 20206 is driving industry growth through engagement, education, and alignment. This group will work to turn PeopleForBikes’ platforms into high-impact growth tools by boosting engagement for events and campaigns and ensuring members fully benefit from PeopleForBikes resources in the Member Center.

Accelerating Industry Belonging Committee

The Accelerating Industry Belonging Committee will work closely with the Youth Cycling Coalition to promote youth cycling as a pipeline for broader participation and inclusion in the sport and industry. The committee will also produce industry-facing education focused on workforce inclusivity, helping companies build stronger cultures of belonging. This effort supports long-term industry health by expanding who participates in, works in, and leads the future of bicycling.

Apparel Working Group

Cycling apparel faces unique regulatory and market dynamics that deserve focused attention. The Apparel Working Group will launch and track apparel-related legislation at the local, state, and federal levels and develop shared data and resources tailored specifically to apparel brands. The goal is smarter advocacy and better outcomes for this critical segment of the bike industry.

Moving Forward, Together

In 2026, PeopleForBikes’ committees and working groups will continue doing what they do best: bringing the industry together to solve complex problems, reduce risk, and support growth. From trade and tariffs to sustainability, data, access, and belonging, this work is designed to protect today’s businesses while building tomorrow’s stronger bike industry. If you’re not already involved, there has never been a better time to lend your perspective and expertise. Want to join a committee? Email Dr. Ash Lovell at ash@peopleforbikes.org.

Related Topics:

Trade and Tariff Resource HubBike Business
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