What is Bike Week?
Bike Week runs from 28th April – 6th May and is Brisbane’s annual cycling festival. This bike festival is aimed at getting more people of different ages and stages riding bikes.
I’ve been really looking forward to Bike Week this year. I had high expectations this year after having such a great time last year and considering the amazing range and popularity of the events for last year Bike Week 2017.
I especially had a great time at the Style Over Speed event and was delighted to be interviewed a part of a radio segment about the event! But alas it was not on for 2018.
However, one of the special events for this Bike Week was the Bayview Staging Area Official Opening @ Bike Week. This was a celebratory half day for family, friends and riders to share and enjoy the public opening of the Bayview shared trails. (Stay tuned for more on this! NG).
Brisbane Bike Week 2018
There have been lots of events this week, like:
- Bike Home from Work Party
- Wheely Fun (for young riders transitioning from training wheels)
- 10-Speed Dating @ Bike Week
- Safe Cycling with Kids
- Cycling – Ferny Grove suburban explorer
- Get There By Bike @ Bike Week
I love going to the rides and activities put on by council and bike clubs, but I admit to having a special place in my heart for the smaller, more unconventional events.
I’m also always keen to see more ‘fringe’ events.. like last year’s Style over Speed, or some of the unusual performances or events that are a little more quirky, idiosyncratic, unique and not so ..well… er… conventional.
If I had a say in Bike Week
…I’d suggest for a little more on the ‘festival’ side………
I’d like to see some less polished, less ‘the usual suspects’ and more grass-roots events as well…like….maybe a local high school (or QCA?) hosting a student art show, or UQ hosting a community bike discussion forum, or a Brisbane bike photo competition, or a family bikes games day in the Botanic Gardens, or holding a bike slam poetry afternoon in a retirement villages (bring the festival to those who can’t make it?) ….that kind of thing.
Or ….how about a bike festival ‘official opening extravaganza’ in the city where THEcyclOZ troupe are whipping the crowd into a frenzy …. and the Pedal Pusher Brisbane crew and The Brisbane Penny Farthing chapter (and others!) are alongside local BMX, Fixi and bike polo groups doing demonstrations over the course of the day, so more people can drop in and see the wonderful range and spirit of the Brisbane cycling community.
Now that’s a bike festival!!
Well…maybe next year….
Until then, there is still much to do for Bike Week 2018!
This weekend
Some of the events on this weekend are:
Saturday
- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Experience
- RATS MTB Social Ride (Daisy Hill)
- Get There by Bike
- Feel Great – Ride a Bike (Women only)
Sunday
Brisbane City Council’s website has a good range of Bike Week events – or go to the official Bike Week QLD website (see below).
An impressive amount of hard work and effort has gone into these events.
I’m excited about heading out, getting involved, meeting some new riders, riding my bike at some new locations and supporting the festival.
The weather in Brisbane is amazing at the moment and it is a perfect time to grab the family and have some fun on two wheels.
So Brisbanites – grab a mate, get out there and get riding!
See you out there!
