My last post was an invitation to Brisbane’s upcoming BikeHack19 event. I have had a lot of interesting responses and conversations with friends and colleagues about this event and suggestions for pitches.
I asked Alison Turner, a dear
Alison and I have worked on a number of creative projects before. She not only has a head for business and project managing, but she is a skilled artist in her own right and I have called on her (many times!) when working on this-or-that thing either to cast her discerning eye over an idea, to practically help solve a design issue or just to join in making whatever it is I’m working on.
She is great company, a skilled artist, a flexible thinker and killer at scrabble – everything you want in a project buddy!
Unfortunately though, Alison can’t come to BikeHack19.
But the offer got her thinking.
Alison worked for Australia Sailing for many years and was in charge of training and increasing participation in sailing in Queensland. So unbeknownst to me, she set her business prowess and program insights to good work. After doing some research of her own, she used her experience promoting sailing participation to the BikeHack19 cycling challenge and brainstormed some ideas.
The next time I saw Alison, she presented me with her brainstorm (see below) and explained it in detail – it was spot on.
We chatted about the similarities in crossover of participation issues between sailing and cycling – and how much transferability there was between the two sports.
I love having people like Alison in our community. She is an example of those who not only freely give their time and ideas to friends, but who are equally excited to apply the same effort and passion to building a more cohesive and active community – what a gift!
I am very appreciative to Alison.
Thanks so much for your ideas and time!
I will definitely be taking these ideas to BikeHack19.
Alison’s initial brainstorm
Key organizations:
Sport Aus/Aust Sport and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
Using as background the Gemba Report 2012:
- Cycling had (in 2012) 17% participation joint third in the 15 sports Surveyed with swimming the top at 33% and sailing at the bottom with 2%
- Gender ratios in cycling were 18% male and 15% female
- Cycling participation declined from 31% in the 5-9 year age group, 27% in the 65-75 year age group
- 39% of participants cycle more than once a week
- Of the top 15 sports, cycling is third with 8.8point eight% participation and frequency (after gym and swimming)
- Future interest insight going showed 5% really interested, 10% neutral, and 69% not interested
- Barriers to cycling participation – cost, lack of equipment and who to participate with
- Cycling was NOT in the top 5 sports noted as being:
- ageless
- innovative
- Australian
- exciting
- fun
- has integrity
- accessible
- community
- cool
- exclusive
- for older people
- for younger people
- gaining in popularity
- International
- popular or safe
General comments
- Sponsorship for programs are likely to be remembered
- In my sports males are more dominant
- Competition is a very small percentage of participation in sport
- Health is improved if participants find enjoyment in the sport
- Are there any junior cycling programs like Auskick or Surf Groms or Surf lifesaving Nippers?
- Future participant needs should be considered
