Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events
Posted on in Business News, Cycles News
Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026. The annual initiative encourages independent bike dealers across the UK to highlight their services, expertise and community role, while inviting both new and returning riders through their doors.
Managed by the ACT, the week (formerly Local Bike Shop Day) has been running since 2018, with bike shops around the UK taking part in recent years and consistently reporting positive feedback including increased footfall and sales to stronger local awareness and customer engagement.
Participating retailers have used the week to host free checks, social rides, workshops and in-store promotions. Many say it not only boosted business during the event but helped them build longer-term relationships with customers.
Independent retailers and industry partners shared their experiences:
Exmouth Cycles: “Shopping small and keeping it local can often feel lost amid the digital world but cycling exists to be outside and we are here to enable as many people as we can to get out on their bikes, find freedom and feel good!”
Red Kite Cycles: “Where else can you get great service from real cycling enthusiasts, touch and test ride bikes, and heart-felt support to realise your cycling dreams?”
Frog Bikes: “We’re proud to partner so many brilliant independent retailers across the UK and beyond who champion kids’ cycling every day – and we thank them for everything they do.”
Get Cycling reported increased activity and visibility during the event:
Jordan Hargreaves, Shop Manager, Get Cycling: “Local Bike Shop Day was great for us as it meant we could showcase our extensive products and services, and the skills and experience of our mechanics. To celebrate being a local bike shop, we offered free bike checks, discounted hire, and we also had a spring sale – all of which were very popular. It was a great success all round!”
Joanne Mahon, CEO, Get Cycling: “The day itself was a huge success, we decorated the shop with flags and set up a marquee in the yard where the free bike checks took place. In addition to our loyal customers we had people who were just passing by but came to join in with the celebrations and have a chat with the mechanics, many of them hadn’t even known we were there previously. We were definitely busier than the average Saturday, which was reflected in our sales, so it’s great to know that all of our hard work promoting the day paid off!”
For some shops, the biggest impact came from community engagement and recognition:
Patrick Healy, Director, Peak Ascent Cycles: “We were amazed by the response and support we had. With over 100 votes it's truly humbling to know how important we are to our local community and we were honoured by the kind words and reviews we received.
On the day we offered special promotions on a number of items including clothing and stock bikes with emphasis on reward deals for our regular customers. One customer brought in cakes to give out on the day and a local balloon shop made us some special LBSD and PAC balloons to dress out the shop. We had a great day with lots of fun, cycling tales and advice on how to enjoy your bike.”
Online visibility also improved for many participants:
Fiona Ewing, Inspiral Cycles: “We were blown away by some of the comments our customers posted online for Local Bike Shop Day in support of Inspiral Cycles as their local bike shop. It was a great focus for our social media posts and they were shared widely, while getting involved with the hashtag #SupportYourLocalBikeShop increased our online profile and has led to new customers discovering us.”
Local Bike Shop Week aims to celebrate the culture and community behind independent bike shops, giving specialist retailers a way to demonstrate what makes them so important on the high street and in local communities. The 2026 event promises to once again be a valuable opportunity for independent bike shops across the UK.
To learn more and get involved, visit: https://localbikeshopweek.uk/
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