{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 573


Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
Read more…

ACT part of coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform

16 Feb 2026

A 18-strong coalition of business organisations and tax experts, including the ACT and led-by its parent company Bira, has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury calling for a... Read more…

Government's pub-only business rates package is "poor decision based on politics", ACT parent company Bira says

29 Jan 2026

The government's decision to give pubs a 15% business rates discount while excluding independent retailers is a "poor decision based on politics rather than what is good for the local economy",... Read more…

Independent retailers demand equal treatment as Government prepares pub rates relief

9 Jan 2026

ACT parent company Bira has has demanded equal treatment for small shops after the government announced plans to water down business rate rises for pubs.
Read more…

Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

23 Dec 2025

An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT.
Read more…

Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13... Read more…

Independent retailers to see rates bills soar by up to 15% despite government's "transformation" promises

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has... Read more…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
Read more…

Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

Back to news menu

Get on your bike - Car Free Day gives communities glimpse of a world without traffic

Posted on in Cycles News, Outdoor News

This Thursday, September 22nd is World Car Free Day, an annual worldwide event that gives communities the chance to imagine a life without traffic. It also encourages families to come together and enjoy a range of outdoor community celebrations with the focus on play and neighbourhood get-togethers - with no cars, vans or lorries spoiling the fun.

Car Free Day 2022

Car Free Day is also an opportunity to encourage people to try travelling on two wheels instead of four. The event is being marked in several areas when streets in some locations will be transformed into Play Streets as part of the local authorities’ environment and sustainability strategies.

In London, folding bike firm Brompton’s using a dilapidated former petrol station as a hub for cyclists. The petrol station will be open between 8am-8pm, to offer test rides and track facilities for both standard and electric bikes.

In Scotland, initiatives like Street Play in Glasgow will enable residents to close roads to host parties and workshops between 22nd and 25th September. Edinburgh Council will be shutting Waverley Bridge for special events, and more than 200 Kidical mass rides are planned across Europe, which protect children cycling in areas without segregated bike lanes through temporary measures.

And on Tyneside, an office park is offering members of its community the option of a carefree commute.

Quorum Park’s new fleet of e-bikes can be hired on a daily or weekly basis, and members of its workplace community that cycle to work on World Car Free Day this Thursday will be rewarded with a “range of incentives”.

The park is one of a number of businesses across the borough to be working with North Tyneside Council Climate Change Action group to encourage people to ditch their car for the day as part of the annual initiative, or perhaps longer.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.