For the first time in its history, the EUROBIKE trade show has drawn more than 900 exhibitors amid rising interest in cycling in the host country Germany.


Show organizers note that the show will occupy  85,000 square meters of exhibition space when it convenes Sept. 4-7 on the shores of Lake Constance in Friedrichshafen. One of two new extra exhibition halls under construction in the city will be used by the show, making for a total of 13 fully booked trade show halls this year. Some 30,000 trade visitors and over 1,000 journalists from around the world are expected to attend the event.

 

One of two additional halls still under construction will be put to use to accommodate EUROBIKE 2008. Current plans call for this extra trade show hall (A7) to house primarily exhibitors from the former East Entrance area. This year the Zeppelin Hangar will present an even wider range of exhibitors focusing on e-bikes. Trade visitors can test ride the latest models on a special track.

 

This year's show comes as High petrol costs, climate protection and a continuing trend towards fitness are helping Europes bike industry find new customers. Amid the signs of increased interest are initiatives by Germany's governing CDU party and the German rail company, Deutsche Bahn decision to provide bikes for hire at 100 railway stations.

 

The show will kick off a day early for manufacturers, retailers and journalists, who will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 3 for a day of test riding in the Allgäu region.