BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

BikeBiz.com is pro-helmet, anti-compulsion. Here's an up-to-date index of the stories carried on Martlew's private members' bill 'protective headgear for young cyclists' and the post-Martrew period, including the Nov. 04 BMA call for helmet compulsion for all adult and child cyclists.

Cycling Scotland has produced a 12-page booklet on getting back into shape by cycling. It is aimed at occassional or returning cyclists who might be hoping to complete a charity ride, cycling holiday or simply lose weight.

Eric Martlew, the MP with a private members' bill to force under-16s to wear helmets when cycling, is to take part in a webchat on the MPs' lobby section of BBC.co.uk. Questions and comments are invited. Remember, Martlew believes those who challenge his bill are "cycling fascists."

Roads minister David Jamieson, previously thought to be warming Eric Martlew's helmet compulsion private members' bill although Department for Transport bods are against it, recently told MPs that enforcement would be too tough, so there will possibly be no government support for a lid law. PLUS: a research document from the House of Commons Library provides MPs with a superb summary of both sides in the helmet debate.

Trek Bicycle Corporation has acquired the rights to licence Ascend retail management system software. It will be made available in August and is for Trek IBDs only.