FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN)–Klaus Wellman, Messe Friedrichshafen’s chief executive officer, said Eurobike’s first day set an attendance record with more than 12,750 people packing the trade show halls. That figure was more than a 10 percent increase over last year’s opening day, which also set a record.
Day two also opened with a flood or retailers as cars once again faced delays entering the fairgrounds. Shuttle buses, leaving from the city center, were packed with people standing in the aisles. Wellman said car traffic had been slowed by several accidents and some construction.
Wellman, taking a break from the show floor, said another measure of the expo’s success has been the number of accredited media covering the show. More than 1,100 journalists were on hand opening day, he said, with extensive coverage on TV throughout Germany. “We had three minutes on the 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. news on seven different channels,” he added.
Wellman attributes the show’s higher profile in the national news media to a convergence of three factors: Growing concern among the German public over global warming and air pollution; a growing concern over health issues like obesity; and the growing sophistication of bicycle manufacturers who are designing a broader range of products that appeal to a more active lifestyle.
“Bikes are becoming a more sexy and desirable product in society,” he said, noting the increasing emphasis by Europe’s major cities to create a more user-friendly atmosphere for cycling.
