Environment

It is a scandal that 2,500 beauty spots across England are supposedly designated for public enjoyment, yet the only legal way to reach them is if you happen to own a helicopter. For walkers, wheelchair users, and bikepackers alike, Britain’s countryside is not as open as it should be, despite overwhelming public support for greater access to nature.

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In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, e-bike manufacturer Cowboy stands out as a beacon of ethical responsibility. Founded in 2016 by Belgian entrepreneur Adrien Roose, Cowboy has been making waves in the e-bike world from the start. The company launched its first bike to critical acclaim, winning the Eurobike Award in the same year. Subsequent years brought a Red Dot Bicycle Design Award in 2018 and the prestigious Red Dot Best of the Best Award for product design in both 2019 and 2021.

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With the internal combustion engine being phased out and electric cars struggling to gain universal acceptance, the dominance of the private car looks less certain. Buyers remain wary of electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns over charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and resale values. And for many young people, the emotional attachment to cars has faded, replaced by the convenience of apps like Uber or bike-sharing schemes such as Lime.

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Whether you’re popping to the shops by bike or travelling further afield, the reflective Notabag is a clever combination bag and backpack hybrid. Reflective panels help you stand out, but it's party trick is quickly transforming from a bag to a cycling friendly backpack with a quick pull on the straps.

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A change to the London congestion charge means that previously-exempt sub-100g/km cars such as the Fiat 500 TwinAir, Smart and Toyota Prius will no longer escape the daily £10 fee. Only fully-electric cars and plug-in electric hybrid models will scrape beneath the new exemption threshold of 75g/km. Cars that will continue to escape the...