News
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/SmartBikeDC_closeup.jpg?itok=q2eZRawq)
Having reported on the launch of SmartBikeDC, the city’s new bike-share program, I couldn’t fly home from the Summit without checking out the bikes.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Pedicab_Summit.jpg?itok=SnJeTDgc)
After a full day of lobbying on the Hill yesterday, summiteers logged a total of 350-360 meetings with their state reps and senators, according to the League’s Andy Clarke.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/1236962305CPSC%20hearing.jpg?itok=uz20xzWn)
BETHESDA, MD (BRAIN)—Representatives from the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association met with CPSC staff Wednesday to appeal a petition that seeks to exclude kids’ bikes from new regulations on lead limits. The BPSA made the petition on behalf of its 85 member companies and the industry at large earlier this year.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/the_Capitol.jpg?itok=a_Fvh6lO)
As I sit down for a brief break from what has been a packed day and a half of meetings, seminars and keynotes at the National Bike Summit, I’m still amazed at how much happens here over a very little span of time. This is my third year out here and it’s great to see the enthusiasm for bike projects and advocacy work hasn’t waned a bit.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/LazerHelmetWeb.jpg?itok=dj5It2hm)
Lazer may not be a familiar helmet brand in the U.S. market, where Bell and Giro dominate, but it is the Bell or Giro of Europe, said Sean van Waes, manager of the bicycle division for Lazer Helmets, while visiting the BRAIN offices in late February.
NEWMARKET, Ontario (BRAIN)—Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) members shipped 14,499 more units to shops last year, a 6.5 percent increase over 2007. Sales revenue rose 9.3 percent over the year.
LAGUNA BEACH, CA (BRAIN)—Sparc Retail has hired John Telfer, founder and former chief executive officer of BroForm.com and Influence Technologies, to be vice president of business development.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (BRAIN)—Christopher Smith, formerly of Time Sport USA and a 20-year veteran of the bicycle industry, has established an office in the United States for Lazer Helmets, a Belgian designer and manufacturer of bicycle, motorcycle and leisure helmets.
MILAN, Italy (BRAIN)—Oakley sales helped push its parent company, Luxottica, over the 5 billion euro mark for the first time in its history in 2008 despite a difficult end to the year.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/1236890618TaipeiHandsWeb.jpg?itok=GhJbdc4F)
TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN)—Grumbling over Taipei Cycle’s timing and its isolated new venue can still be heard, but everyone who is anyone in the bicycle industry will come together there this week.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/1236886125Jay%20and%20Karl%20at%20Rally.jpg?itok=32OaYra7)
Portland delegates Jay Graves of the Bike Gallery and Karl Rohde of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance go over their meeting schedule for their day at the Hill. Graves passed out the infamous flourescent bicycle pins that have become a hot item at the Summit this morning during the rally.
MONTREAL (BRAIN)—Dorel Industries said on Wednesday it had its best ever year in 2008 despite economic challenges in the fourth quarter that left the company sitting on millions of dollars worth of inventory.