Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration
Posted on in Business News, Cycles News
A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
Local Bike Shop Week, running from 3rd to 9th May 2026, will showcase the personalised service and community spirit that independent cycle retailers bring to high streets and neighbourhoods nationwide.
The initiative, managed by the ACT, expands what has been a hugely successful single-day celebration for the past nine years into a full week of activities.
The week-long celebration will feature a new element for 2026, the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards. These awards will recognise independent retailers who go above and beyond to support cyclists, champion active travel and keep local cycle shops thriving, from expert repairs and welcoming new riders to supporting local events and keeping communities moving.
Participating retailers will have access to an assets pack for use in store and online, along with a promotions inspiration book featuring ideas such as bike shop pub quizzes and fastest wrench competitions. Content creation activities including interviews with brands, retailers and riders will help raise awareness throughout the week.
Jonathan Harrison
Jonathan Harrison, ACT Director, said: "After nine phenomenal years of Local Bike Shop Day, we're thrilled to expand this into a full week of celebration. Independent bike shops are the beating heart of cycling communities across the UK. They provide the expert advice, personalised service and genuine passion that keeps cyclists on the road and welcomes newcomers to the sport. Local Bike Shop Week gives these businesses the platform they deserve to showcase what makes them truly special."
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of ACT parent company Bira, said: "Local Bike Shop Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the independent cycle retailers who are such vital parts of our high streets and communities. These shops offer far more than just products - they provide expert knowledge, personalised service and a genuine passion for cycling that you simply can't replicate online or in larger chains. We're encouraging everyone to visit their local bike shop during the week and see for themselves the difference that independent retailers make."
Local Bike Shop Week opens its doors to everyone, from experienced riders to first-timers, families and children. It gives specialist independent bike dealers the chance to highlight what makes their shop stand out and what sets them apart from bigger national retailers.
Independent bike shops across the UK are invited to participate in Local Bike Shop Week and the Local Bike Shop Awards. More information is available via this link or by joining the WhatsApp channel "Local Bike Shop Week 2026"
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