In his series on future industry challenges, analyst Mark Sutton examines how climate change could impact the bicycle business over the next decade. After a difficult 2024 marked by misinformation and rising insurance costs for e-bike shops, Sutton had hoped to discuss more positive industry "tailwinds" but finds climate change now demands attention. Rather than a distant issue, the climate crisis has become increasingly visible, with extreme weather affecting more regions, making the crisis harder to ignore.

Drawing from past observations, Sutton highlights how warmer temperatures are shortening snow seasons at European ski resorts, forcing some to adapt by lengthening the mountain biking season. This trend reflects the broader pattern of increasing unpredictability and intensity in weather events, which brings both challenges and potential shifts for outdoor and cycling businesses. The article underscores that, as climate change moves from distant to local, industries like cycling must anticipate how these changes may bring about new business challenges and opportunities.