Bike Week bash at Woy Woy

Gosford Council has resolved to relocate this year's Bike Week Bash event to Anderson Park, Woy Woy, due to a lower popularity of the event at Erina and Narara Valley.

A report from council stated that in the past, Gosford foreshore was seen as a central point in promoting community rides to the event from Woy Woy, Erina and Narara Valley.

It stated that the Erina and Narara Valley rides were "considerably less popular than that from Woy Woy" and involved "considerable organisation".

As such they were not conducted last year.

The report stated that the Gosford foreshore was "a less strategic location than originally foreseen".

It also noted concerns about the effectiveness of barricading and ensuring pedestrian safety at the Gosford Waterfront as Dane Dr would be expected to remain open during the event.

Council stated it had received a proposal from the Central Coast Cycling Club to hold a criterium race at Woy Woy in association with the event.

It stated that an "attractive option" for holding of the event at Woy Woy would involve the closure of The Boulevarde between Brisbane Water Dr and Brick Wharf Rd to ensure the safety of those attending and to increase the area available in which to conduct the event.

It stated: "A closure between 7am to 2pm on Sunday, September 30 is foreseen".

"Such a closure is seen as having a relatively minor impact upon traffic and a Traffic Management Plan similar to previous events conducted at this site could be expected to apply.

"The event could celebrate the arrival of the cycleway from Gosford with the recent opening of the Woy Woy Bay cycleway bridge.

"The opportunity of the event could be taken to officially name the bridge should that be council's decision.

"Conducting the Bike Week Bash at Anderson Park, Woy Woy is recommended as is the immediate inviting of expressions of interest in respect of those wishing to participate in the event."

This would include charities, community organisations, companies and private individuals wanting to participate in the event.

Council has also proposed that the event be held on Sunday, September 30, during Bike Week.

Council is expected to apply for a $5000 grant under the Roads and Traffic Authority's (RTA) Bike Week Grant Guidelines to offset the cost in organising the event.

Council has held the annual Bike Week Bash on the Gosford foreshore as a community fair involving bike related promotions, exhibitions and demonstrations as well as being the end destination for community rides.

Council stated that the event has promoted community health, the cycleway facilities council has already provided as well as cycling for recreation and transport.

Council agenda CIT.7, April 3