“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.” Tim Owen AM MP, Member for Newcastle
Bikefest will be an opportunity for thousands of Newcastle residents (and visitors) 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 people, the economy and the 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.
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.
Maps of recommended routes will be published for cycling to Bikefest events and signage, marshals and traffic control will be provided 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.
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 with connecting rail, bus and ferry services and 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.
Local cycling clubs will host short road races and mountain bike trials along Newcastle Foreshore, and there’ll be plenty for all types of riders: mountain bike rides, BMX and fixie stunt riding, games and not-too serious competitions including medley relay races, bike polo, tag, slow cycle races, skill challenges and treasure hunts for the kids.
Themed rides will explore historical landmarks, galleries, cafes and bars about the CBD and inner suburbs. Scenic rides will offer excursions to the foreshore and beaches, Fernleigh Track, Port Stephen s and Lake Macquarie. Bus and cycle tours will be offered to the vineyards and Myall Lakes.
A concours d’elegance will showcase beautiful bicycles – vintage, chic, fixies and much loved everyday rides. Fashion parades and design competitions will let majro labels and local students show cycling’s glamorous side and offer exampled of practical, stylish cycle wear. Pedal-powered cinema, books, photography, street performers. And more.
For more information please contact Bikefest Coordinator Bernard Hockings ph 0438 556 378 or email: info@bikefest.net.au
