Staff incentives to ride to work, bike parking facilities, bicycle hire and the appointment of cycling ambassadors are among the initiatives that have earned businesses the right to be part of the Wollongong Bike Friendly Business programme.
With the Australian coastal city preparing to welcome the world’s best cyclists for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in September, the new programme, set up in collaboration with Wollongong City Council and Wollongong 2022, aims to strengthen the city’s commitment to attracting cyclists and enhancing their experience while they visit the city.
Businesses need to demonstrate that they champion cycling, are committed to improving services for cyclists, and back Wollongong’s UCI Bike City activities. Specific evaluation criteria include elements such as: safe and secure bike parking, accessibility, catering services adapted for cyclists, bike repair and cleaning facilities, information and maps regarding local cycling routes, promotions and discounts for cyclists, and many others.
The city of Wollongong received the UCI Bike City Label –awarded annually by the UCI to cities and regions which host UCI World Championships and World Cups, whilst also developing programmes and infrastructures to strengthen the everyday use of the bicycle – in February 2021. Since receiving the label, the city has actively been developing and implementing a series of Cycling for All initiatives leading up to the UCI Road World Championships taking place this September.
To be part of the new Bike Friendly Business Programme, businesses and employers can register through one of four streams – venues, accommodation, retailers, employers - which all carry unique accreditation criteria.
After carrying out a self-check process, during which each business must fill out a standard checklist, representatives from Destination Wollongong and local cycling organisations assess each application based on the completed form and an in-person venue visit. Accredited businesses are then promoted on platforms managed by Destination Wollongong and the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.
Destination Wollongong’s project manager Stuart Barnes said: "The commitment of Wollongong City Council to develop a cycle friendly city is bringing increased visitation from cyclists into our city but more importantly creating a better lifestyle for our citizens. The Bike Friendly Business Programme provides a way for venues, retailers, accommodation providers and employers to learn more about how they can better support cyclists’ experience in the city.”
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said: “Whether it’s families, mountain biking thrill seekers, keen road cyclists or office workers looking for an easier way to commute, people have a wide range of reasons as to why they ride – and this programme supports businesses to tailor their support to meet their target markets.”
UCI Director General Amina Lanaya declared: “The UCI congratulates the city of Wollongong for launching its new Bike Friendly Business Programme, which is aligned with the UCI’s mission to make cycling more accessible to all.
“Wollongong’s programme also provides a fantastic example for other UCI Bike Cities to follow, as it will strengthen partnerships, create new links with the business community and encourage further investment in cycling. We are delighted to see the UCI Bike City Label encourage such innovative thinking!”
Accredited businesses displaying the new logo
Since the launch of the programme at the end of March, 74 businesses have already signed up to receive the new Bike Friendly Business accreditation. Among the first businesses to receive the logo this week are:
The Disability Trust: Through its CycleAbility Programme the Trust helps more people with a disability experience the fun, fitness and independence that comes with riding a bike. Employees are encouraged to ride to work and participate in team cycling events along with their clients.
Novotel Northbeach: The official UCI hotel for the UCI Road World Championships in September, the Novotel has provided a bike hire service for many years and is currently implementing modifications to facilitate cycling tourism.
Five Islands Hotel, Cringila: Located within a kilometre from theCringila Hills Bike Park, the new hotel management has appointed Australian Mountain Bike Champion Josh Carlson as their ambassador, supporting their plans to engage with the cycling community.