In conjunction with the ‘Cycling Gold Coast’ interactive essay, this document is designed to demonstrate how the cycle to work day event listed in cyclingoldcoast.wordpress.com, would actually happen. This document is in the form of a proposal to identity the difficulties with hosting an actual event and also to highlight what would be required if this event was to actually take place. Within this document, there will be an improvised version of how one of the bicycles will look.
However, there has been a slight change of plan to the original idea proposed in this document concerning the objects used. The original plan was to dress a number of people in business suits and attach briefcases to the back their bicycles and cycle to and from a designated destination via the safest route. The concerns for implementing this original idea are firstly the logistics of the event in terms of gathering a large number of people to participate, providing suits as this could be quite costly, even from a second hand charity shop and attaching the briefcases to the back section of a bicycle will require welding or a frame attachment.
Subsequently, to maintain the Cycling Gold Coast event idea, I have selected different objects that are still related to the cycle to work day and are far more obtainable for a real life interactive project. These objects are in the form of tools to indicated the skilled tradesmen and professionals alike, attached to the cyclist’s helmet (helmet diagram). The bicycle will have a signboard attached to the centre of the frame and fancy attachments to catch peoples attentions (bike diagram). The required uniform is a simple overall (uniform diagram) to represent the many industries here on the Gold Coast and encouraging everyday people to cycle more. I have considered this idea to be an improvement to the original business suit proposal, as this would only encourage the ‘blue-collar’ worker to participate.
The Gold Coast is the designated area in which this event will take place and by the means of the Bikely.com cycle map, I will plot the safest route (cycle map link) – (cycle map screenshot). Because most of my cycling journeys are from Nobby Beach to Griffith University, this will be the designated journey for this event. However, if the event was to be implemented with actual tradesmen, cycling together from Nobby Beach to Griffith University, it would need to be performed on a Sunday as these people would be travelling to work and most probably would not travel this direction.
In order to plan this event, still pictures and video footage will be taken from Nobby Beach to Griffith University displaying the route taken and identifying any hazardous or even scenic areas. This will add both an artistic flare to the project and highlight any areas that need a contingency plan.
The promotional implantation of this event will be achieved by cycling around the Gold Coast area with a signboard attached to the bicycle for the purpose of obtaining pedestrians email addresses and forwarding on the relevent information. However, if this event was to be carried out with actual tradesmen using their own tools etc, then the Gold Coast Bulletin would be notified along with local bike shops and forum communities, encouraging more participants. Contacting Bicycle Queensland would also be an advantage as they are involved in the National Bike to Work Day held on the 17th of October and have years of experience when promoting bicycle events.
Beneath is a list of objects and technical requirements;
• Industrial cardboard and cable tie
• Tools
• Bike for cycling/decorating
• Digital camera with video function
• Mobile phone for emergency and communication
• Safety cycling guide
• Clothing to match the trade of the workman’s tool
• Map with route highlighted prior to departure
• Internet access to plan safest route via Bikely.com
• Posters promoting this event
Beneath is a list of objects, authorities and technical apparatus that would enhance the event, but are either too expensive or simply not feasible;
• Helicopter with camera crew to document the event in progress
• GPS tracking systems
• Sat Nav system for each bicycle
• Police escort
• Council permission to host the event
• Front page spread on event prior and post of implementation
• News footage to promote awareness and benefits of cycling to work
• Lance Armstrong as participant
Beneath is a list in the order of how I will prepare this cycling event;
1. Contact students to participate in the event via face to face, telephone and email
2. Check if they have access to bicycle, or ask them to borrow from friends otherwise
3. Brainstorm and research the most commonly practiced trades and professions in the Gold Coast area
4. Obtain plastic tools to attach onto the bicycle helmets
5. Organise a group meeting to discuss any safety aspects
6. Arrange suitable day when the event should commence
7. Arrange checkpoints for photographs and to monitor everyone’s safety
Beneath is a list of contingency plans;
• Because this event will be implemented during week 13-14 of the second semester, there is a strong possibility of rain and even thunderstorms occurring: Wet weather gear is of great importance. The industrial tape must have waterproof adhesive to secure the tools attached. Front and rear lights, as the skylight often becomes very dark in this kind of weather.
• Sometimes pieces of glass or rusty nails are left on the roadway and can puncture tires: Puncture repair kits and spare inner tubes are much needed with any cycling activity.
• Members of the group might not be able to attend this event at the very last minute and will in turn spoil the impact it is designed to create: By arranging a secondary date for this event would solve this problem.
• The Indy track is being used for the Lexmark 300 or will be under deconstruction: The answer to this problem is to personally cycle the proposed route in advance to check the event is possible. If this route isn’t available then another one will have to be selected or the event will have to be postponed till a later date.
Beneath is a list of safety precautions;
• Using real tools would be very hazardous, so plastic ones would have to be purchased from either ‘Toys R Us’ or a second hand store.
• Ensure every member has read a safety cycling manual
• Ensure every member knows how to ride a bicycle!
• Ask the most competent cyclists to remain at the front and the back of the group.
• Strictly prohibit double barrelling (cycling side by side) at all times.
• Take every bicycle to a service centre to check for any malfunctions.
• Highlight the importance of drinking water regularly and wearing sunscreen.
• Make sure baggy garments are tied back around the ankle area to prevent catching in the chain.
Next is some video footage on the promotional activites;
