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Project:
Bike New York Rest Area Management
Client:
Bike New York
New York, NY
Overview:
As the largest recreational cycling event in the nation, Bike New York has provided upwards of 30,000 riders a grand tour of the city each year for 25 years. For 2003, Bike New York was looking to upgrade the look and the operation of their 5 rest areas, which are spread throughout the route. Eventage was brought in to consult on elements such as signage, rider flow and volunteers and managed the five distinctly different areas on Tour day.
Production Plan:
The first step, late in 2002, was to re-survey every existing rest area as well as the one new area in Brooklyn. New site plans were drawn and everything from parking to tenting to toilet placement was evaluated based on previous plans and staff feedback. In addition, Eventage sat down with a core group of rest area volunteers, who gave their opinions on what has worked and what hasnít in every rest area.
Bike New York had decided to begin an ambitious new signage program, which would begin with rest areas. Eventage worked closely with the Tour Director to design the new signs and the new, specially fabricated sign holders. The signage plan was also updated to reflect the realities of the site plans and rider flow, reducing the number of signs ultimately needed.
On the day before the Tour, Eventage staffers loaded trucks at the Bike New York warehouse in New Jersey in preparation for their arrival early the next morning at each area. A Rest Area Manager and Assistant Manager were present at each rest area, in addition to additional managerial support at key areas from Eventage senior management. A revised volunteer structure was put in place, where Captains reported to the Rest Area Manager and then managed their teams in duties from traffic control to food and drink distribution.
Results:
Riders and long-time volunteers commented on the improved organization and layout of the Rest Areas throughout the Tour. The addition of an Express Area at the always overcrowded FDR Rest Area in northern Manhattan was a great success, with crowding reduced markedly. Eventage staff gained the trust and respect of the dedicated volunteers, many of whom returned in 2004 and 2005, when Eventage was once again brought on board to continue its management services. The company is currently working with Bike New York on the 2006 Tour.
Client
Feedback:
"The Eventage Team helped us figure out the logistics for servicing 30,000 riders with 60,000 bananas, 45,000 bottles of water and 40,000 snacks using 1,000 volunteers in five different areas of the city. All that, and they had to organize tents, signs banners, portable toilets, first aid stations, bike repair stations, and a host of other details. Beautifully done on their part -- we wouldn't do it all again without the Eventage team!"
Pam Tice, Executive Director, Bike New York
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