EMBRACING THE BREEZE: A LIFETIME ON BICYCLES

Cycling is not only an environmentally friendly mode of transportation; it also embodies a lifestyle that promotes greater health and happiness in people’s daily lives

Bayram Akgül, a board member of Salcano Bicycle, responded to our questions for the readers of Business Diplomacy.

COULD YOU SHARE THE STORY OF HOW YOU FIRST GOT INTRODUCED TO CYCLING? DO YOU HAVE A MEMORABLE CYCLING EXPERIENCE THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?

My first encounter with bicycles began in childhood when I would ask my friends in the neighborhood, “Can I have a ride on your bike?” At that time, I didn’t own a bicycle because my father hadn’t yet begun bicycle production. However, there was a bicycle repair shop in our neighborhood that rented out bicycles. It was incredibly exciting to rent a bicycle and ride it from time to time. Throughout my childhood, bicycles were not just a means of transportation; they were also a significant source of entertainment. Every moment I spent on the bike felt like a taste of freedom. Pedaling under my own power and feeling the wind on my face was an unforgettable experience, even at that young age. The bicycle was one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience freedom. One unforgettable memory took place in 1985 when I was racing downhill on my bicycle through our neighborhood. I collided with an oncoming pickup truck. The bicycle skidded to one side, and I ended up falling into the bed of the pickup truck. Fortunately, I was not seriously injured, but the incident left an indelible mark on my memory. At that time, having a bicycle was a privilege; not everyone owned one, so sharing your bicycle with friends was considered a generous gesture. This memory reminds me of how precious those childhood days truly were.

WHAT DOES CYCLING REPRESENT FOR YOU? HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU ALLOCATE FOR CYCLING IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?

Cycling has provided me with a profound sense of freedom and happiness throughout my life. Transportation costs were quite steep, especially when I moved to the UK for my university studies. As I was looking for a solution, I ended up buying a bicycle. At that time, the cheapest bicycle cost £70, equivalent to several taxi rides. I used that bike for several years. Going on long bike tours on the weekends became both a delightful activity and a welcome escape for me. Being connected to nature, conquering challenges while climbing hills, and feeling the wind on my face have always brought me an indescribable sense of peace. For me, cycling is not just a means of transportation; it symbolizes healthy living and inner peace. When I ride my bicycle, I escape the stresses of city life and relish my connection with nature. In those moments when the wind brushes against my hair, escaping the chaos of life and simply enjoying the present is one of the most beautiful aspects of cycling. Every moment I spend on the bike provides me with a sense of physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

COULD YOU SHARE THE STORY OF THE ADVENTURE YOUR FATHER, SALIH AKGÜL, BEGAN WITH SALKO BISIKLET? HOW DID YOU COME TO THE IDEA OF PURSUING A CAREER IN THIS FIELD?

My father established the company in 1975, naming it Salko Bisiklet. “Salko” is an abbreviation of Salih in Bosnian, and we began our branding journey with this name. At that time, my father worked for a company that produced water pumps during the day, and in the evenings, he bent pipes to manufacture bicycle parts. My mother also assisted him in this process. They soon began to reap the rewards of their hard work, and the company started to grow. Over time, my father shifted focus to producing three-wheeled chainless bicycles. With his innovative spirit, my father always aimed to provide quality at an affordable price. In 1984, he travelled abroad and discovered that producing chain bicycles was, in fact, not as difficult as he had thought. He made significant strides in the industry by producing the first mountain bike in Türkiye.

I am an agricultural engineer, and my primary goal was to become a scientist. In my final year at university, I was accepted into a prestigious research centre in England. However, upon returning to Türkiye, I encountered the challenge of not being able to pursue the academic career I had envisioned. At that point, I decided to join our family business. I became part of the company in 1995 and focused on import and export activities. Alongside my father and brother, we have elevated our company to its current standing. We have now established ourselves as one of the leading bicycle manufacturers in Europe under the Salcano brand.

COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY FROM BEING A MEMBER OF THE BICYCLE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (BİSED) TO BECOMING THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BICYCLE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (WBIA)?

My engagement with civil society organizations began during my high school years, and I have remained actively involved in various associations ever since. I chaired the Turkish Motor Industrialists Association (Motoder) for 8 to 9 years before founding the Bicycle Industry Association (BİSED). In 2023, the Korean president of the European Bicycle Association visited us and invited me to join the board of directors. I ran for the presidency of the WBIA and won the election. We are currently addressing global bicycle industry issues, including sustainability, supply chain management, and the unification of bicycle standards. Throughout this process, we aim to make significant strides in advancing our country’s position within the bicycle industry.

WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE TO PROMOTE CYCLING AND CYCLING CULTURE AS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION?

As the World Bicycle Industry Association, one of our primary objectives is to establish unified bicycle standards on a global scale while advocating for cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Cycling stands out as one of the most effective ways to honour nature and foster a sustainable lifestyle. A significant portion of the global bicycle supply chain is sourced from China and Taiwan. We are actively working to broaden this supply chain to include additional countries. Our strategy involves establishing Türkiye as a key hub for bicycle production. We also undertake a variety of initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation in cycling. Cycling is not only an environmentally friendly mode of transportation; it also embodies a lifestyle that promotes greater health and happiness in people’s daily lives.