Press Releases

Pedalite International Strikes Unique Deal With Raleigh for UK Distribution

28th July 2008 – Pedalite International Ltd is delighted to announce today (July 28th 2008) a landmark partnership with the UK’s most renowned cycle manufacturer and distributor, Raleigh. This exciting new collaboration will see Raleigh become the distributor of Pedalite’s portfolio of products in the UK including the award-winning, battery-free 360 degree visibility pedal lights.

Prior to this joint venture, Pedalite has sold directly to retailers in the UK and has grown the business to such an extent that many thousands of cyclists around Britain are today using the battery free 360 degree visibility pedal lights. The company has also formed an international distribution network for its products in over 24 countries including, amongst others, Cycles Lambert in Canada, Grahns in Sweden, Classic in Australia, Cycletech in New Zealand, 222 Cycles in Denmark, Murah Bener in Indonesia, Avantum in Spain and Oredon in France.

As part of this new UK 'deal', Raleigh will not only take control of Pedalite's existing retail network, but also aim to expand it dramatically. With Raleigh’s recent announcement of the launch of Cyclelife retailers outlets across the UK, Pedalite International’s products look set to gain massive exposure with its core target audience.

Simon Theobald, Manager Director of Pedalite International comments; “We are absolutely delighted to announce this partnership with one of the most well known and most respected businesses in the history of cycling in the UK. The Raleigh brand has become synonymous with high quality products and services and we are proud to have formed this association. To date, Pedalite International has developed a strong distribution network and earned itself a great reputation for its products – which now have a loyal following. However, this new partnership marks a major progression for the business; one which we are confident will take us to an entirely different level of retail exposure and success”.

Neil Mountain, Product Manager from Raleigh UK comments: “Throughout the company’s history, quality and attention to detail in the development of products has been central to Raleigh’s business ethic. Pedalite International offers an impressive range of products, that are truly innovative, and we are entirely supportive of the safety benefits offered to cyclists. We believe that current take-up of the product is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and are confident that our experience and reputation in the industry will ensure that the Pedalite brand will see substantial growth.”

Cycling safety campaigner and former world champion cyclist Tony Doyle, MBE commented: “Pedalite battery free 360° visibility Pedal lights are simply a must have for any cyclist and the biggest aid to safety for cyclists since helmets. It is wonderful to see two companies with such strong commitment to improving to enjoyment of safe cycling in the UK working together.”

How Pedalite’s 360 degree visibility pedal lights work: Pedalite 360 degree visibility pedal lights use award-winning patented technology. The lights are fitted in place of normal bicycle pedals and are solely powered using kinetic energy, generated by the natural rotation of the spindle while cycling. They light up as soon as the cyclist starts pedaling and provide always-on 360 degree lighting, without any requirement for a battery. Saving your pocket as well as saving the environment as Pedalite pedal lights can pay for themselves in just one season due to not having to continually purchase replacement batteries. The lights ensure that cyclists can be seen from up to 1km away by motorists and from any angle including the side.

The lights harvest and store the energy which enables them to stay on for up to 5 minutes after the pedalling has stopped. As a result, cyclists can also be seen clearly at road intersections, stop signs and traffic signals where 3 out of 4 accidents involving cyclists and cars take place and cyclists need to be seen from the side. The lights create a virtual cycle lane so bikes with Pedalites fitted seem wider to cars and they tend to give them more space and distance, helping reduce accidents. Cyclists around the world seem to be understanding the need to wear a cycle helmet and even to add lighting to bikes, however, the critical need for side lighting on a bicycle continues to be predominantly overlooked, even though the terrifying statistic of approximately 75% of all cycling accidents in the roads happening where bicycles need to be seen from the side is becoming well known.

Media acclaim. They were recommended as one of the top three cycling gadgets in the UK in December by UK’s leading national Sunday paper, The Sunday Times. The products’ strong safety features have helped to attract the endorsement of former World Champion Cyclist and safety campaigner, Tony Doyle who acts as the company’s ambassador. The lights are also used by the UK’s Emergency Services, amongst others and available in 24 countries around the world. Please refer to www.pedalite.com/inthenews1.aspx for copies of past media reports and reviews.

Editors Notes

About Pedalite International Ltd

Pedalite International Ltd is a UK company that designs and manufacturers bicycle accessory products designed for Safety, Health and the Environment with QUALITY built in.  The company's flagship product the unique 360 degree visibility battery-free pedal lights improve cycling safety. Pedalite 360 degree visibility pedal lights are powered by cycling energy which is harvested and stored enabling the lights to stay on for up to five minutes after the pedalling stops, such as when the cyclist is freewheeling or waiting at a junction. Motorists can see bikes fitted with Pedalite pedal lights from up to 1km away and from any angle, including the side

Now used by thousands of cyclists in over 30 countries, Pedalite 360 degree pedal lights help to protect the cyclist with always-on essential side lighting, protect the environment by eliminating highly caustic battery waste and save money by using the kinetic energy generated by turning the pedals rather than requiring batteries to be purchased over and over again.

The Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights and optional toe clips can be purchased from all good independent bike shops, retail chains and high street shops in most countries.

Pedalite products all adhere to three principles; they address issues of safety, health and the environment (SHE). To read more about Pedalite International’s SHE campaign please go to: http://www.pedalite.com/she.aspx.

In 2007 Pedalite was acquired by the Mpower1 Group of companies (www.mpower1.com); a major business development organisation, which has increased investment, accelerated product development, attracted celebrity endorsement for Pedalite products, initiated a major marketing campaign and underwritten the future of Pedalite.

Tony Doyle MBE, twice World Pursuit Champion and four times European Track Champion is an ambassador and spokesperson for Pedalite International Ltd.  Tony will be promoting the pedal lights at exhibitions, cycling shows and through cycling clubs, retail outlets and in schools throughout the UK, highlighting the part they play in cycling safety.  As spokesperson, Tony also plays a key role in helping explain, through the media, the importance to cyclists of using Pedalite Pedals.