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Germany has a number of independent tech testing centres for bicycles; the UK has none. That could be about to change. The University of Warwick is seeking to open what it calls a Cycling Innovation and Technology Hub, or CITH, to provide a "catalyst for business to accelerate technological innovation within the UK cycling industry." The centre would be hosted by the univesity’s Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Daniel Ryle and Lokesh Gupta have been hired as project assistants by Warwick University to oversee the project.
Ryle told BikeBiz: "The CITH aims to support the UK cycling industry’s technological goals by providing direct technological support, with access to our equipment and technology demonstrations."
CITH would also seek to boost the manufacturing potential for British-built bicycles and act as a catalyst for innovations that could lead to an increase in exports of UK-designed cycling products.
Ryle (left in pic) and Gupta have already started meeting with cycle industry executives.
"The feedback and comments we’ve had have been positive and constructive, with enthusiasm shown from all of the companies involved so far," said Ryle, who is organising an industry launch event for CITH to be held at the university later in the summer.
If the industry supports the initiative Warwick University’s cycling credentials will be increased even further – the university’s Modern Records Centre has for some years hosted the National Cycle Archive.
Ryle and Gupta can be contacted at D.J.Ryle@warwick.ac.uk and L.Gupta@warwick.ac.uk.
