Inaugural winner of Local Bike Shop Week Award revealed ahead of celebratory week

18-year old Big Bear Bikes has scooped the inaugural Local Bike Show Week Award.

The announcement, timed to lead into the impending Local Bike Shop Week, running 3 to 9 May 2026, follows a round of public voting on a shortlist of 8 shops, selected by a panel of industry judges (including CIN’s Editor). Cycling enthusiasts across the UK cast their votes for their favourite independent cycle retailer in the awards, which are backed by over 20 industry partners and recognise shops that champion active travel, support cyclists and keep local bike shops thriving

Big Bear Bikes in Pickering came out on top, securing 42% of the public vote. The Bike Barn in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and A&S Cycles in Hackney also highly rated in the final three.

Big Bear Bikes operates in North Yorkshire alongside its sister site, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub CIC. From its base in Pickering, it has developed a large-scale retail and service operation, offering an extensive range of bicycles, accessories and expert workshop support delivered by Cytech-trained technicians and apprentices.

The business places strong emphasis on in-store experience, encouraging customers to engage directly with knowledgeable staff, explore a wide showroom range and test ride bikes before purchase. This consultative approach is supported by structured team development, ongoing product training and a focus on building long-term expertise within the workforce.

Alongside retail, Big Bear Bikes delivers inclusive cycling provision through Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, offering structured progression from learn-to-ride sessions to advanced trail skills. It also provides adapted bikes to support riders with additional needs, alongside community engagement through clubs, events and local initiatives. The business continues to balance sustainable growth with investment in accessibility, participation and the wider cycling community.
David Beeley, Founder and MD of Big Bear Bikes and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, said: “Big Bear Bikes is thrilled to win the Local Bike Shop Week award. It’s a big thank you to all the team at Big Bear Bikes and our satellite shop, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, and especially to all our customers for their support. We believe the best place to buy and have your bike looked after is a good quality, local bike shop, at the heart of its community. We are very proud to be delivering that in the Pickering and Dalby Forest area.”

Jonathan Harrison, ACT Director, said: “Congratulations to Big Bear Bikes on winning the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards. Big Bear Bikes stood out for their commitment to inclusive cycling and outstanding customer service. From providing adapted bikes for riders with additional needs to delivering structured progression programmes through Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, they demonstrate everything that makes independent bike shops vital to their communities. They’re a worthy winner and a brilliant example of what can be achieved when passion meets expertise.”

Big Bear Bikes operates from Pickering, offering an extensive range of bicycles, accessories and expert workshop support delivered by Cytech-trained technicians and apprentices. Through Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, the business delivers inclusive cycling provision from learn-to-ride sessions to advanced trail skills, alongside community engagement through clubs, events and local initiatives.

The Local Bike Shop Awards are part of Local Bike Shop Week, an industry-wide initiative managed by the Association of Cycle Traders. More information about Local Bike Shop Week is available on this link.

The ACT is part of the Bira Group and represents cycle traders and retailers across the UK, championing the cause of independent bike shops and promoting safe, quality cycling products and services