Better by bike. have fun! reduce pollution and resource depletion. less traffic congestion, less demand for car parking

Transcription

1 bikefest

2 bikefest What s on...4 Ride...4 Good sport...4 Grand tours...5 Culture and creativity...5 Expo and markets...5 Knowledge and networks...6 Program...7 Schedule...7 Other events...7 Inspiration...8 Attendance...9 Projections...9 contents Operations...10 Facilities...10 Sustainability...10 Access...11 Promotion...12 Brand...12 Champions, allies...12 Video record...12 Resources...12 Media partners...13 Launch...13 Delivery...14 Governance...14 Personnel...14 Affiliations...14 Stakeholders...15 Funding $ Better by bike have fun! reduce pollution and resource depletion less traffic congestion, less demand for car parking save money on vehicles, roads, public transport and health care low impact exercise for all ages fitness and mobility, healthy body & mind An introduction to Bikefest Newcastle. Updated

3 Bikes will be an important part of our city s future. Cycling can improve our community s health, provide a practical form of transport and make our city a more attractive, vibrant place. The NSW Government is committed to promoting landmark events such as Bikefest in regional NSW. Bikefest is a great opportunity to showcase our region and cycling. I encourage Newcastle residents and business community to support Bikefest and be part of promoting a smart city and healthy lifestyles. Bikefest is a celebration of cycling for fun, fitness and smart transport Bikefest will be an opportunity for thousands of Novocastrians to enjoy a weekend of bike rides, entertainment, expos and workshops at locations along our city s beautiful foreshore and scenic cycleways. Bikefest will promote cycling for fun, smart transport and good sport. It will encourage people of all ages and interests to make riding a bike part of their everyday lives, helping build a healthier, more liveable city good for our people, economy & environment. Bikefest will offer attractions to new and experienced cyclists and will provide a unique opportunity for businesses and organisations to showcase their products and services to a rapidly growing cycling community. This introduction provides an overview of Bikefest s activities and organisation. For the latest updates visit or facebook: For more information please contact Bikefest Coordinator Bernard Hockings phone: or info@bikefest.net.au Where Bikefest will be based at the Honeysuckle Precinct and cycle paths along Throsby Creek and Newcastle Foreshore, with rides and events extending across the region. When Friday to Sunday, 5-7 October bikefest Tim Owen AM MP Member for Newcastle 3

4 bikefest what s on Join family and friends and ride to Bikefest events at the foreshore and throughout the region. It will be a great opportunity to become familiar with safe cycle routes and show bike riding s popularity. Other events in Newcastle on Bikefest weekend, like sports matches, fairs and markets, will be encouraged to offer incentives for people to get there by bike, making Bikefest a city-wide weekend on wheels. We ll publish maps of recommended routes for cycling to Bikefest events and provide signage, marshals and traffic control at places where direction or protection is needed. Bike safety checks and valet bike parking will be provided at key locations. A rewards scheme will offer discounts and prizes to people who cycle to Bikefest events. ride Park and cycle stations will enable remote participants to drive some of the way and ride the rest. Families with young kids will be able to park at stations on Honeysuckle Drive, Tighes Hill TAFE or Stockton Foreshore and enjoy safe rides to the festival via off-road cycleways. Public transport and cycling will be encouraged by advertising connecting rail, bus and ferry services and identifying opportunities for bike transport. Bikefest organisers are liaising with public transport operators to provide additional services, extra bike carrying capacity and special Bikefest tickets for passengers with bikes. Hire bikes will be available at public transport nodes and parking stations. Bicycle taxis will be operating along the foreshore. 4 Local cycling clubs will host short road races and mountain bike trials along Newcastle Foreshore. Mountain bike rides will be organised at Glenrock and Awaba state forest. BMX and fixie stunt riding displays will be held at Honeysuckle and Bar Beach. good sport Games and not-too-serious competitions will offer an opportunity for everyone to take part including: medley relay races (road, mountain, BMX and city bikes) bike polo, tag, track start competitions and slow cycle races skill challenges and treasure hunts for kids.

5 grand tours Themed rides will explore historical landmarks, galleries, cafés and bars about the CBD and inner suburbs. culture & creativity A concours d elegance will showcase beautiful bicycles vintage, chic, fixies and much loved everyday rides. Fashion parades and design competitions will let major labels and local students show cycling s glamorous side and offer examples of practical, stylish cycle wear. Pedal-powered cinema will screen local bike videos and entries from the international Bicycle Film Festival at outdoor foreshore venues. Scenic rides will offer excursions to the foreshore and beaches, Fernleigh Track, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie. Bus and cycle tours will be offered to the vineyards and Myall Lakes. Bikefest will promote books on cycling, sustainable transport and urban design and host an international book launch by a local author and Rotterdam publisher. Photography, video, art and writing exhibitions and competitions will be held in collaboration with the museum, local galleries, media, schools and professional associations. Street performers will provide music and entertainment at locations throughout the festival. bikefest expo and markets Exhibitors are invited to showcase their products, projects and services including: government and community groups promoting cycling, health and sustainability bicycle, accessories and clothing retailers and producers. A bike swap meet will provide an opportunity to buy and sell used bikes, parts and accessories. Market stalls and bicycle vending carts will offer healthy food and refreshments along the foreshore cycle paths. 5

6 bikefest Bikefest s active events will be complemented by seminars and workshops focusing on cycling and sustainable development. A breakfast for festival sponsors and civic, business and community leaders, will focus on cycling s ability to deliver economic benefits and build a better city. International speakers, leading national identities and elected representatives have been invited to address this gathering of 150 invited guests. A community forum will share the experiences, by video link, of residents, planners and business people from cycling communities from around the world. knowledge & networks Local and international experts will present seminars for design, planning and health professionals. Bike maintenance and safe cycling workshops will provide practical advice to riders of all ages, interests and experience. A workshop for cycling advocates will present practical advice for individuals and organisations on campaign planning, communication and governance. A Bicycle NSW Council Meeting will be held for representatives of Bicycle NSW affiliated clubs and regional groups from around the state. Early October offers the best probable combination of long daylight hours, mild temperature and low chance of rain. Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Friday 5 October :25am 5:58pm 10:36pm Saturday 6 October :24am 5:59pm 11:24pm Daylight saving commences Sunday 7 October Sunday 7 October :23am 6:59pm 6 Based on Nobby s rainfall records, on a single day in early October, there is a 1 in 20 chance of more than 10mm of rain and 1 in 9 chance of more than 5mm of rain. There is a 1 in 33 chance of more than 5mm of rain on two consecutive days. Bikefest events, other than rides, can be held under cover.

7 Bikefest s main attractions will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, providing the option to attend either day, easing congestion and allowing more opportunities to avoid rain. schedule Friday, 5 October 8:30am to 10:30am breakfast with keynote speakers for sponsors, civic, business and community leaders 11:00am to 5:00pm workshops for health and design professionals 7:00pm to 10:00pm pedal powered cinema other events Bikefest will be on the last weekend of the school holidays and one week after the Labour Day long weekend. Bikefest s date was chosen to avoid clashing with activities being held throughout the state as part of NSW Bike Week (Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 September). Bikefest will coincide with the end of the Australian Transplant Games, being held in Newcastle between 29 September and 6 October. Games organisers have welcomed Bikefest as it can offer added attractions to the 1000 games participants from around Australia. program The scope of activities will enable attendees to enjoy Bikefest for a few hours or a few days. Headline events will be held on Sunday which is likely to have highest attendance. Saturday & Sunday, 6 & 7 October 8:00am to 6:00pm ride to festival product displays, stalls and entertainment fashion parades, art expos seminars and workshops sport and recreation cycling themed city, scenic and mountain bike rides 7:00pm to 10:00pm (Saturday only) pedal powered cinema The Sydney Rides Festival runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 21 October Newcastle Bikefest organisers are working with City of Sydney festival organisers to ensure synergies between the two events. Bikefest will help generate support for the national Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 17 October and Bicycle NSW Spring Cycle in Sydney on Sunday 21 October. Bikefest s date allows time for important cycling infrastructure to be completed, including rehabilitation of the Throsby Creek banks and construction of safe cycle crossings at Hannell St Wickham and Turton Rd Broadmeadow. bikefest 7

8 bikefest 8 inspiration The inaugural Newcastle Bikefest benefits from the success of festivals around the world. Melbourne Bikefest A community produced celebration of life on two wheels, over one month in February and March, featuring nine key projects encompassing fashion, film, art, performance, shopping, talks and rides. Newcastle Bike Festival (UK) Bringing together cyclists in England s north-east for a September weekend of films, skill sharing and good times around Tyneside. Brizzy Bikefest Celebrating bike culture through film, art and rides. The 2011 BBF ran from Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 November. Sydney Rides Festival Hosted by the City of Sydney two weeks in October 2011 featured rides, street fairs, games, concerts and art exhibitions. It included the Ride to Work Day Breakfast, the Bicycle NSW Spring Cycle and the Bike Film Festival. Bicycle Film Festival An international celebration of the bicycle through music, art and film. Bristol Cycle Festival Rides, workshops, films, games and more. Originally hosted by Bristol Council, now organised by community groups. Ciclovía Ciclovia, Spanish for "bike path, is now used worldwide to describe temporary road closures to encourage active recreation. The most popular is in Bogotá, Columbia, where each Sunday, 120 km of car-free streets are used by 2 million people (30% of its population) for cycling, running, exercise classes and street performances. More at Wikipedia

9 Most Bikefest attendees will be local and its attraction will extend far beyond the region. Bikefest will gain national and international attention. and will present Newcastle as a smart, healthy, exciting destination influencing future decisions by interstate and international travellers. projections Organisers estimate that between 8,000 and 12,000 people will take part in Bikefest activities with 25% to 50% of attendees riding bikes. These estimates are based on attendance at similar events: The 2011 Sydney Rides Festival included cultural, recreational and entertainment events over a one week period, attracting over 25,000 participants. Lake Macquarie Living Smart Festival, held in Speers Point last November, attracted 8,500 attendees to product and information displays, talks and entertainment. Loop the Lake in March last year had 2,700 entrants riding around Lake Macquarie. attendance Bikefest is actively supported by Bicycle NSW, the state s peak cycling organisation, and its 50 affiliated clubs and regional groups. Weekend tour packages will be organised, including carbon neutral transport to Newcastle, accommodation, meals and promotions of other Hunter attractions. Smart Energy Expo, presented by Climate Action Newcastle at City Hall last March, presented a weekend of talks and product displays to several thousand people. Darby St Festival was attended by over 25,000 people, and included market stalls and entertainment on one day in November. Red Lantern Market held on an evening in November 2011, attracted 10,000 people and over 50 stallholders in Hunter St Mall. Spring Cycle in Sydney last October had 8,000 cyclists ride from North Sydney to Homebush. bikefest 9

10 bikefest 10 operations Approval for use of city facilities has been granted, in principle, by Newcastle City Council, Hunter Development Corporation and emergency services, subject to submission of final operational plans. Bikefest will have minimal noise impact. Amplified sound will be limited to a stage at Honeysuckle and all outdoor activities will be held during the day except pedal powered cinema which will be located in parkland away from residents. Bikefest will have minimal impact on traffic. Parking will be provided away from the festival centre and attendees will be encouraged to travel by bike or public transport. An application is being made to close Wharf Rd for a few hours, between Watt St and the Pilot Station, to provide a safe, short circuit for road bike races. Bikefest will make a major, lasting contribution to environmental sustainability by encouraging cycling and active transport. Bikefest will also work to minimise the environmental impact of festival activities. Bikefest personnel will implement high standards of sustainable event management and provide assistance to participating exhibitors and vendors to help them find the most practical ways to deliver environmentally-friendly practices. facilities Drinking fountains and portable toilets will be provided at Islington Park, Worth Place, Foreshore and Bar Beach parks and on the Fernleigh Track. Waste will be minimised through avoiding use of disposable goods and providing separate rubbish, compost and recycling bins. Bikefest will have approximately 50 marshals at key locations throughout the event to monitor activities and provide advice and directions. Bikefest will be covered by $20 million public liability insurance, WorkCover and relevant insurances for personnel and equipment. Key strategies include: sustainability promoting sustainable transport to events using materials that minimise pollution and resource depletion avoiding waste generation and promoting reuse and recycling supporting local communities and enterprises. And the winner is bikes! Cycling is on a roll! Its popularity grows each year and yet it still has great untapped potential. 44% of the respondents in a Newcastle survey indicated that they d ridden bikes that week. Over 60% of infrequent cyclists said they d ride more with better bike paths. Nearly 5% of trips to work, from some inner Newcastle suburbs, are by bike. A dollar spent on cycle paths can save nearly four dollars in costs for roads, vehicles, commuting time, parking and health care. Newcastle could become a leading bike-friendly city with significant investment in cycleways projected over the next few years. Its population, geography and weather suit cycling. 87% of trips in Newcastle are less than 10km. 40% are less than 2km easy opportunities to go better by bike! Sources: Household Traffic Survey Bureau of Transport Statistics NCC Newcastle Cycling Strategy 2012 and Cycling in Newcastle Consultation Report 2010

11 P P Bikefest venue P Car park Public transport Bikefest is not-for-profit. Any funds raised are invested in delivering the festival. Bikefest relies on the contribution of time and resources from its Directors, event management personnel and scores of dedicated volunteers. Attendance at Bikefest s events will be free, except for some seminars with keynote speakers which will have a modest registration fee. Fees for Bikefest exhibitors and stall holders are being kept to the minimum in order to maximise participation. Exhibitors & stalls zone Stage zone Active displays Museum functions venue P P P P access Car parking connected to Bikefest by familyfriendly cycle routes, will be available at Throsby, Lee Wharf, Honeysuckle, Stockton and Tighes Hill TAFE car parks. Park and ride, for experienced cyclists, will be available at Hunter Stadium and Bar Beach car parks. Venues are well served by public transport with bus, train and ferries easily accessed from the foreshore and Honeysuckle precincts. Attendees will be encouraged to ride bikes to Bikefest and events throughout the region. Key routes will be from parking stations and public transport nodes to Newcastle Foreshore and the 6km R6 path from Islington Park to Nobbys. Hunter Development Corporation has agreed, in principle, to allow a temporary path between the Marina and Honeysuckle via an off-road route along land adjacent to the wharves. Bikefest organisers are liaising with TAFE to provide cycle access through Islington campus, improving the R6 cycleway from the city to the university and Glendale and enabling access from R6 to the TAFE car park. Preferred routes are being audited to identify maintenance and minor improvement works to be completed prior to Bikefest and to determine management actions required during Bikefest, including provision of signage, barriers, marshals and traffic control. Bike parking will be provided at festival events. bikefest 11

12 bikefest promotion The current logo is a working draft and will be replaced by the final design developed in conjunction with the principal sponsor. It will communicate smart, stylish fun and good health, appealing to the diverse cycling market. Statements of support from community and business leaders and elected representatives will feature prominently in promotional materials. Popular media and entertainment identities are being invited to be Bikefest ambassadors, helping reach key target audiences including young urban students and professionals and health and design conscious women and men. brand The Newcastle brand will feature prominently in Bikefest marketing, proudly promoting Newcastle and the Hunter region. seechange.visitnewcastle.com.au/ champions, allies Bikefest benefits from the active support of businesses, government, schools, universities, TAFE, cycling and community groups. Our supporters have extensive networks able to promote Bikefest to hundreds of thousands of people. Printed and electronic promotional materials will be produced for distribution via supporters 12 A Bikefest video documentary will be made for broadcast on-line. It will feature coverage of Bikefest events, interviews with participants, Promotional resources will include printed and digital flyers and posters counter-top displays, postcards, spoke cards extensive advertising opportunities in local and industry media event signage in prominent locations website and facebook video record lead-up to the festival and background on cycling in our region. resources Opportunities for branded merchandise include useful bike accessories: snap-on trouser straps seat covers, spokey-dokes, bells puncture kits, water bottles rain capes, high-viz vests and helmets.

13 media partners Bikefest features published by our print media partners will offer great exposure for Bikefest and give sponsors and exhibitors an ideal opportunity to promote their products and services to the rapidly growing cycling community. The Newcastle Herald is Bikefest s principal media partner. It reaches over 108,000 readers and 280,000 unique website visitors. An advertising campaign in the Herald during the month preceding the festival will promote Bikefest events and sponsors. The Herald will produce a Bikefest colour feature lift-out magazine in the week before Bikefest, including articles on cycling, Bikefest route maps, program and previews of events ABC Newcastle is a consistent supporter of community events and will be playing an active role in helping Bikefest reach its extensive audience throughout the region. Coverage will include interviews with organisers, participants and international guests leading up to the festival plus live broadcasts from Bikefest events. Australian Cyclist is Australia s largest national non-competitive cycling magazine with circulation in excess of 16,600 and over 30,000 readers. Bikefest will feature in its September issue with follow-up articles in November. Treadlie is a quarterly magazine born in 2010, focusing uniquely on urban bike culture and design, with 15,000 copies distributed throughout Australia and an estimated 70,000 readers. Bikefest will be promoted in the August issue with coverage of the event in December. bikefest launch Bikefest will be launched in July at a high profile event that introduces our program, champions and sponsors to stakeholders and the media. Awareness of Bikefest will be developed in the months and days leading up to the festival through promoting: cycling related media features interviews with Bikefest s champions and international guests. 13

14 bikefest delivery Bikefest s organisation and ongoing governance is undertaken by Bikefest Inc. a not-for-profit incorporated association. Its objectives are to promote cycling for fun, good health and sustainable transport through organising recreational, cultural and educational activities and building cooperation between supporting groups and individuals. Bikefest Inc. Board members include: Gavin Fry author and retired Director of the Newcastle Museum Nick Batt Newcastle Cycleways President, Newcastle University Sustainability Committee governance Anna Kasper communications consultant Bernard Hockings builder and sustainable development consultant Jacqui Hicks urban transport consultant and PhD student Ian Wilcox Energy Smart Expo coordinator, sustainability consultant Dr Ben Ewald Medical researcher and GP, lecturer, Newcastle Cycleways Vice-president Gus Potts Newcastle University Bike Users Group President Dr Steven Fleming architect, lecturer, author, Kooragang Open Cycle Club captain. personnel Gavin Fry President Anna Kasper Director Nick Batt Vice-president Steven Fleming Director Bikefest organisation is managed by our team of experienced professionals: Bernard Hockings, Coordinator Anna Kasper, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Brooke Cousins, Managing Director, Wet Toes event planning, marketing and public relations organiser of the highly successful Surfest. Bikefest receives valuable assistance from Newcastle City Council Livesites, Major Events, Tourism and Business Development officers. Bikefest s extensive range of activities are made possible by the contribution of the time, skills and enthusiasm of dozens of volunteers. affiliations Bernard Hockings Coordinator Brooke Cousins Wet Toes 14 Bikefest Inc. is an affiliate of Bicycle NSW and benefits from support of its Board, staff, and legal and insurance consultants. Bikefest Inc is a member of the Bicycle NSW Council, which represents over 50 groups across the state. Bikefest Inc. is a member of the Sustainable Events Alliance, an organisation helping event management professionals deliver projects that benefit the community and environment.

15 contact To volunteer your assistance or for more information about Bikefest organisation, events, exhibitions and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Bernard Hockings Bikefest Coordinator phone: Anna Kasper Communications Manager phone: stakeholders Bikefest will be developed through collaboration with groups and individuals that share its objectives, engaging diverse sectors of the community and creating broad ownership of the festival. Bikefest s network of allies includes hundreds of local and national organisations and businesses able to provide input into Bikefest planning and utilise their communication networks to promote Bikefest to tens of thousands of their members and clients. funding Bikefest is not-for-profit. Any funds raised are invested in delivering the festival. Bikefest relies on the contribution of time and resources from its Directors, event management personnel and scores of dedicated volunteers. Attendance at Bikefest s events will be free, except for some seminars with keynote speakers which will have a modest registration fee. Fees for Bikefest exhibitors and stall holders are being kept to the minimum in order to maximise participation. Stakeholders include: bicycle advocacy, sport and social groups sustainable transport, planning and environment groups bicycle manufacturers and retailers government bodies responsible for transport, planning, health and environment community and professional associations, business and tourism promotion groups major trip generators workplaces, shopping centres and educational facilities. Bikefest organisers will maintain regular, open communication with a Reference Group of approximately forty key stakeholders. Bikefest is made possible by the support of our sponsors. Sponsors can achieve tangible benefits from their association with Bikefest: recognition of their support for Newcastle s development as a healthy, liveable city helping achieve transport, environment and community health program objectives promoting products and services to an appreciative audience. Please phone or for more information on being part of Bikefest. bikefest 15

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