Inaugural BikeFest to take to city streets

Published on 15 March 2023

Launceston's inaugural celebration of all things pedal-powered - BikeFest 2023 - will hit the city streets this Sunday in a day of colour, fun and festivities.

Organised by the City of Launceston, BikeFest 2023 will see bike lovers from across the region come together to recognise Launceston as one of the great places in the world to ride a bike.

The event will also coincide with the ever-popular World Street Eats and the Multicultural Council of Tasmania's Harmony Day - connecting a wealth of multicultural food, entertainment, and activities all strewn across multiple city blocks and the picturesque City Park.

City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said BikeFest aims to connect new and old residents with bike riding opportunities in their community, while demonstrating to a broader audience that Launceston's CBD is a truly bike-friendly experience.

"Having the three events all running concurrently will provide people with a wonderful mix of amazing food, incredible entertainment and a wide range of fun and healthy activities for the whole family to enjoy in what will be a fully safe environment with separated bikes lanes traversing all the way from Civic Square through to the City Park," Mayor Gibson said.

BikeFest participants will be able to enjoy the peace and serenity of a picnic in the park in a welcoming green space all while taking in some wonderful music from a range of incredibly talented young musicians and watch enthralling and entertaining cultural performances.

"There will be plenty of space for people who find markets or festivals overwhelming and it's a safe and wonderful place for the kids to run around in a safe environment," Mayor Gibson said.

"We are excited to host an event that brings locals, multicultural and bike riding communities together for an affordable day of riding, eating and dancing in the Launceston CBD.

"This will recognise Launceston as one of the great places in the world to ride a bike celebrating the diversity of ways to ride a bike, and the diversity of people who ride those bikes."

Activities will be spread across three zones and four city blocks stretching from Civic Square (the Taste Zone), along Cameron Street (the Ride Zone) and ending in City Park (the Play Zone).

In the Taste Zone, World Street Eats will host their monthly multicultural food festival in Civic Square between 11am and 3pm, featuring fully licenced areas, local entertainment and a wealth of incredible ethnic food from across the globe.

The Ride Zone, in Cameron Street between St John Street and Tamar Street, will boast bike participation events, exhibitions and demonstrations as well as a World Enduro Opening party at Firestorm in the old Northern Club building.

The Play Zone in City Park features Harmony Day cultural entertainment, sports, games and recreation as well as a local young musician showcase.

These sports and games activities will be hosted by a local disability organisation - New Horizon, which will be fun for children of all ages and abilities.

The City Park will also be a social hub for cyclists where they can join a social ride, dress up their bike for the giant bike parade or boogie along with a boom box bike.

Participants will also be able to explore with geo-based games and link to the broader bike path network.

Local artist Mae Finlayson from the ReDress Hub will be part of the day's celebration with an eye-catching and imaginative display of 30 decorated bicycle wheels that will adorn the streetscape along Cameron Street.

BikeFest participants will also be encouraged to decorate their much-loved bikes as part of the festivities.

All the action on the day will run from 11am through to 5pm and everyone is welcome to attend.