European Cycling Industries (ECI) will host its first Bike Demo Day on September 30, 2026, at the Residence Palace in Brussels, with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) François Kalfon officially opening the event.

Supported by Decathlon, the Bike Demo Day will add a new dimension to ECI’s annual Cycling Industry Summit. From 12:30 to 17:30, the outdoor space outside the Residence Palace will be transformed into a private test track, giving participants the opportunity to test ride a curated selection of bicycles representing the diversity and innovation of the European cycling industry.

The lineup will include cargo bikes, urban mobility models and performance bikes, bringing people working in the EU quarter closer to the bicycles and the companies behind them.

Kalfon will formally open the Bike Demo Day with a short address. A press opportunity for attending journalists will follow, including time for questions and on-site photographs.

“In Brussels, the political debate is often focused on cars, planes and railways. I regret it, because the European bike industry has the potential to deeply decarbonise transport, to create thousands of green jobs and to strengthen our industrial sovereignty,” said François Kalfon, Member of the European Parliament.

“So, I am very happy to join the European Cycling Industries on September 30 for the Bike Demo Day, to put the EU bike industry, professionals and innovation back in the center of the political discussion.

“We need to put Europe back on the cycling path, not only for the planet but also for EU industry and workers.”

Paul Walsh, CEO of European Cycling Industries, said the Bike Demo Day will give people working in European institutions an opportunity to experience the cycling industry directly.

“We spend a lot of time in Brussels talking about cycling. On 30 September, we’re also going to ride some instead. With the Bike Demo Day, we want to give the people working in the European institutions a chance to experience the industry directly — to see the bikes, meet the people behind them and take one for a lap,” Walsh said.

The Bike Demo Day will take place outside the Residence Palace in Brussels as part of ECI’s annual Cycling Industry Summit.

Photo: ECI