German bicycle industry association Zukunft Fahrrad has joined Towards Tomorrow – European Bike Show as a partner alongside ZIV. The new international trade show will make its debut in Cologne, Germany, from September 6–8, 2027.

The two associations plan to merge into a single organisation in the future. Under a cooperation agreement between Zukunft Fahrrad and ZR GmbH, the future joint ZR GmbH will organise the show on behalf of both associations and coordinate their exhibition team.

Zukunft Fahrrad will be involved in all strategic and conceptual aspects of the show and will oversee the content of the services and cargo bikes/commercial transport segments. These areas include bicycle leasing, insurance, subscription and sharing models, and refurbishment.

The associations said these segments are shaping how people and businesses use and finance bicycles. They also described them as growth drivers for the industry and a link between manufacturers, retailers and end customers.

The show will cover the entire bicycle industry ecosystem, from conventional bicycles and e-bikes to components, accessories and services such as leasing, sharing and insurance. Retail organisations ZEG, BICO and VSF have already confirmed their participation. Exhibitors will also receive free ticket codes to invite their retail partners.

ZIV Managing Director Burkhard Stork said Zukunft Fahrrad's involvement had been a natural step since the decision to establish the show in spring 2026. He said the cooperation agreement formally establishes the show as a platform for the entire bicycle industry, supported equally by both associations, and offers a preview of their planned merger.

Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad, described the show as a joint project for the bicycle industry that extends beyond products to include manufacturers, retailers and service providers. He welcomed the opportunity to showcase the industry's diversity in Cologne and invited businesses across the sector to help shape the event.