product that improves the health of the nation, helps lower emissions and is an all round benefit to society."
Removal of the duty would make complete bikes cheaper for all
Read the petition
Russell Merry of Hot Wheels, BMX distributor since 1981 selling Mongoose, GT and WTP, has created a Gov.uk petition asking for the prime minister to shelve the 14 per cent import duty on bicycles. Merry's petition says: "Almost all bicycles sold in the UK are manufactured in the Far East. UK manufacturing on any large scale ended some time ago." Bicycles are subject to an import duty of 14% which, when compared to consumer electronics rates of near zero, is bonkers. "We have childhood obesity issues, congestion, global warming and an aging population that needs exercise - the bicycle has a role to play in the resolution of all these issues. It seems crazy that the tax regime encourages a kid to sit in front of a bicycle extreme sports computer game rather than go out and ride his bike. My petition is to raise awareness of this anomaly and to encourage politicians at the highest level to start the necessary trade talks to abolish duty on a
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.