Event Organiser Hints and Tips

• Download Information
• Organising an Event
• Leading a Group Ride
• Dr Bike/Information Stalls
• Promotion/Publicity
• Fundraising

Download Information

To find out more extensive information and ideas on how to organise your event visit the downloads page where you can obtain tailored event organiser guides, posters, certificates, logos, web banners and more!

Organising an Event

The key of organising a successful event is to plan well in advance and ensure that when you register your event you upload all of the vital information so that people who come along know what to expect.  Information on location, start/end times, terrain and required cycling ability should all be included in your event registration.

There are on-line networking sites where you can chat, blog, meet and exchange ideas with other organisers/cyclists. For instance:

Cycle Social and Road.cc cover all types of cycling - from commuting to racing and all points in between, with lots of latest news, reviews and advice. 

Other sites include Bike Radar, BikeBiz and Everyday Cycling.

Leading a Group Ride

If you organise a group ride it is important that you brief your ride leader with some important pieces of information.  You need to ensure that they know the expected route, terrain, possible hazards and level of cycling ability of the group before the ride takes place.

Over the course of the ride the lead cyclist needs to be able to keep an eye on all group members.  If the pack is becoming too spread out, they will need to slow down, similarly if the group is bunching they can increase the speed of the ride.  It is also the responsibility of the lead cyclist to warn cyclists behind of any upcoming hazards, for example joggers.

Dr Bike/Information Stalls

Dr Bike checks are very popular and a great way to encourage people to dust off their bikes and make sure everything is working.You can also set up a Team Green Britain Bike Week stand to promote both your event and the nationwide event message.  Below is a quick checklist of some of the issues you will need to consider:

• Find a venue - contact your local cycling officer who might be able to help with this
• Have a wet weather plan - ensure that your leaflets/posters can cope with all weather conditions
• Set up a rota of a team of people to man the stand (if required)
• Try and organise some data cards so you can contact anyone who is interested

Promotion/Publicity

Whatever event you decide to run as part of Team Green Britain Bike Week you are going to be making news, so make sure you send your local paper a press release providing the details for your event.  They may decide to promote your event and editorial coverage will raise public awareness of the benefits of cycling.  Keep it short and precise and don't forget to follow it up with a telephone call in the lead up week to the event.

Fundraising

Turning your Bike Week event into a fundraiser will undoubtedly increase the level of interest and number of participants that will want to take part.  Why not research your local charity and approach them to see if they would like to be involved.  It's a great way to encourage people to get back into cycling and raise some money for a good cause in their local community.  By making your event a fundraiser you are also more likely to ensure that everyone turns up to complete the event on the day -  they will not want to let their sponsors down!