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Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes £5bn Pride in Place programme

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
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Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.
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Cycling Scotland emphasises difference between legal and illegal e-bikes and praises work of E-Bike Positive campaign

18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch... Read more…

Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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Local Bike Shop Day Stories: Rides on Air

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Rides on Air, Local Bike Shop DayIn celebration of Local Bike Shop Day's return for 2020, the ACT are launching Local Bike Shop Day Stories, an initiative that helps to spread the word of the positive impact that local bike shops have on their local communities.

Rides on Air

Rides on Air has been in Wallingford town centre for almost 100 years although the name changed to Rides on Air in 1998 and has recently relocated within the centre of the town to a complete new store in April 2019.

The business changed ownership in April 2017, we had a big change in brands and product selection within the store which proved to be very popular with our customers.

Since then we have re-established the family values within the business. We believe that we have the right mix of products, delivered with valuable customer service provided by a very strong team of employees whose passion for cycling is evident.

The town of Wallingford is very events orientated, ranging from music festivals to classic car events- not forgetting the annual 3 day cycling event which we ensure we are actively involved every year!

Why people should shop local

The high street is still an integral part of people's lives in terms of working, shopping, and visiting cafe's or restaurants. While there has always been competition from adverts in magazines and newspapers, recently this has converted to the internet.

However, we are seeing many online businesses struggle as marketing and discounts tend to reduce any margins, this has led to prices going up enabling us to match prices in many cases and become equally as competitive.

The upside of the internet has been stock availability. Managing customer requirements against stock levels is vital to ensure stock churn which a business needs and enables us to capture that sale on the day.

Plans for Local Bike Shop Day 2020

We start our new Saturday morning cycle rides for beginners in April which also helps guide people through various local cycle routes safely away from the traffic. This also helps to encourage people that don't like cycling on their own to get the bike out of the garage and invariably draws repair work into the store!

We also provide support to local schools and events locally to promote the health and benefits of cycling. As well as this, we also began carrying out ladies cycle maintenance evenings in 2019!

Find out more about Rides on Air and other shops that have registered for Local Bike Shop Day here.

Want to share your local bike shop story?

If you would like to get involved with Local Bike Shop Day Stories please email info@theact.org.uk with the following information:

  • Background information on your shop, such as when it opened and why
  • Ways in which you believe your shop helps the community
  • Any plans you may have for Local Bike Shop Day
  • Any photos/ logos to include

Local Bike Shop Day Stories hopes to capture the essence of local bike shops and all that they contribute to the community.

Need some ideas to get you started? Visit out Local Bike Shop Day ideas piece that lists just a few ways in which you can get involved with Local Bike Shop Day and celebrate all that your shop has to offer.

Sign up for Local Bike Shop Day now

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