The Netherlands have long been a major hub for bicycle use, with cycling as a primary mode of transport for many residents. According to data from the H&L Benchmark Group, relayed by Bike EU, Dutch bicycle retailers saw a 13.3% increase in revenue during the second quarter of 2026. This followed a nearly flat first quarter, which only saw a 1.6% rise. Detailed monthly figures show a strong performance, with revenue increasing by 20.2% in April, 7.6% in May, and 12.4% in June. More than three quarters of the companies surveyed reported revenue growth for the quarter. For the first half of the year, the overall growth stands at 8.6% compared to the same period in 2025, with over 70% of participants performing better than they did a year ago. This recovery contrasts with 2025, a year marked by challenges such as inventory overstocking, price discounts, and cautious consumer behavior. The current market environment appears more stable, with rising average selling prices, higher costs for purchasing electric bicycles, and increased workshop revenues. Inventory levels are also returning to normal, which could lead to improved store profitability, even if sales volumes grow more slowly. However, the recent bankruptcy of Accell Group, Europe’s largest bicycle manufacturer, could slow this recovery. On August 11, 2026, the Amsterdam court declared the bankruptcy of Accell, the parent company of several well-known brands like Batavus, Sparta, Koga, Babboe, and Lapierre. Acquired at the height of the post-pandemic market boom by the KKR investment fund, Accell struggled with debt and excess inventory, despite closing its last factory in the Netherlands in 2025. This bankruptcy could have ripple effects on the broader cycling industry, which was just beginning to see signs of recovery. In France, the market is also showing positive momentum. According to the Union Sport & Cycle (USC), electric bicycles, or VAE (vélo à assistance électrique), experienced a 12% increase in sales volume and a 13% rise in value during the second quarter of 2026. Over the first half of the year, the growth was 6% in both volume and value. While the Dutch market's rebound is a promising sign for the European cycling industry, the collapse of Accell serves as a reminder that challenges remain. Even the healthiest retailers may not be enough to save the most vulnerable manufacturers in the sector.