Pedal Power is providing free bike parking at the Folk Festival but would rather not have to next year
Like it has done every year for the past 15, this year Pedal Power will be providing free bike parking for the national Folk Festival. We hope that by next year however, we won’t be required to provide this service.
“Pedal Power is once again happy to team up with the National Folk Festival to provide free, secure, bike parking at this year’s event. We have a long-running arrangement with the National Folk Festival and are delighted to continue to help Canberrans visit the Festival by bike”, says Pedal Power Executive Director Simon Copland.
“There is no better way to get to the National Folk Festival than by bike. You can skip the congested roads around EPIC, forget about parking anxiety and actually reach your destination, as opposed to parking far away and having to walk to the venue” Copland continues. “With the beautiful weather predicted over Easter, riding your bike to the Folk Festival is also a great way to enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise on the way.”
Of course the convenience of travelling by bike is highly dependent on having a secure place to leave your bike while you enjoy the Festival.
“Pedal Power currently provides portable bike racks to the festival for patrons to securely park their bikes. However, we are asking the Government to install permanent, secure, bike racks at EPIC, to benefit this Festival and all the other events held at the venue”, says Copland.
Pedal Power, alongside
In a recent letter to EPIC and the ACT Government, Pedal Power summarised the current situation:
Bike parking capacity within the grounds: 0
Bike parking capacity outside the grounds: 6 at gate, 20 at light rail stop
Distance from light rail stop to EPIC Flemington Rd gates: 600m
Bikes ridden to EPIC on an average weekend event: 30+
Bikes ridden to EPIC on a major event: 150+
“Today, EPIC’s bike parking facilities are inadequate, and it’s a burden on people who wish to cycle to pavilions for events such as food markets, gem shows, book fairs, and other activities. People are literally chaining their bicycles to trees, railings and drain pipes because there are no facilities, save for one obsolete set of racks outside the main entrance on Flemington Rd which are too close together,“ says Copland in the letter.
“EPIC needs to lower its emissions, and also ease traffic congestion at its events. Both goals can be quickly and cheaply met by covered bicycle racks which are well sign posted and well-lit,“ Copland says.
Installing permanent bike parking facilities at EPIC would be a sign that the Government is serious about encouraging more Canberrans on bikes. Pedal Power would be happy to provide advice on the best racks and bike parking infrastructure for the venue.
Pedal Power is eagerly awaiting a response to its letter.
The Pedal Power bike racks will be located inside Gate 2.
