So BFF started in New York when a guy named Brendt Barbur was hit by a bus whilst riding his bike in 2001. What year did it launch in Sydney? The first BFF was in 2005, so we were pretty excited to roll out our 6th year!
The festival runs in 28 cities this year. What makes the BFF different to other festivals? It’s definitely a niche festival, but one we’ve seen achieve year-on-year growth due to the huge increase in cycling numbers. From our experiences hosting the BFF in Sydney, the event celebrates and promotes a fun and inclusive bike culture which is critical in cities where riding is not a mainstream transport alternative. It aligns the arts and creative industries not only with the local biking community, but also internationally through film and shared content promoting one entity. We work to curate events that build community and confidence which is a pretty unique experience to be a part of.
How does films link in with bicycles? Each year, the film program is curated by Brendt and his team in New York from hundreds of films about bikes and riding sent in from all over the world. Films range from documentary to fiction, animated, feature length and shorts. Guests leave screenings with a light, fun and factual experience and understanding of riding from perspectives that are often different to their own. People leave feeling pumped about riding! It’s a visual statement really which allows people to celebrate all the joys involved in riding, and ultimately encourages them to keep riding.
Is there a city you feel has the best cycling conditions and awareness? I would have loved to have ridden in more cities, but New York definitely stands out! I was there last year and it was a real eye opener. I don’t think it’s the infrastructure, it’s not that superior to what we have here in Australia and Sydney, rather the acceptance from drivers and pedestrians. There was a sense of sharing and respect, which allowed the three to coincide harmoniously and make riding in the city seem as normal as driving. Riders can glide in through and around traffic much more freely and chilled than here in Sydney. Everyone rides.
How can we learn from New York as a city and embrace cycling as a primary transportation means? I think this will come with more cycling numbers and acceptance, which is achieved through events such as the BFF. I also feel that the compulsory helmet legislation has a big impact on riders, especially females who do not want to mess up their hair. Helmets communicate that riding is dangerous. And it can be, but usually not due to the efforts of a rider. In saying that, making the helmets optional; many would still be inclined to pop one on.
Have you seen a big change in the amount of riders in the last 5 years? Absolutely. I used to commute to North Sydney everyday over the bridge. Over the last 3 years there has been a drastic rise in numbers of riders along the way. There are also more user-friendly roads and designated bike lanes. BFF allows there to be a celebration of riding and the pop culture surrounding it.
Ultimately, what is the festival looking to achieve long term? Definitely to increase awareness for riders. We are also trying to push the ‘fun-ness’ around riding as well as the obvious environmental benefits. In October we had an event called Creatures of the Night, which saw 120 riders dressed in Halloween gear riding around the city. It was really rewarding seeing the smiles on drivers faces and showing that riding is an essential part of any city’s culture. We would love to keep growing and creating much bigger and more interactive events within the city. We are currently talking about creating a bike party in the city, in somewhere like George Street. We want to get noticed, we want to make noise and we want to have fun whilst doing it.
Are there any plans for the festival to kick off in other Australian states in the future? I just hosted the Brissy Bike Fest for the first year in Brisbane and we screened two nights of films and hosted a 6am ride amongst other things. It was received really well and we will definitely be back next year! I’m also having chats about 2012 with the Mont 24 MTB event in Canberra and the Tour Down under in Adelaide.
Finally, what kind of bike do you ride? I have two x single speeds at home. Firstly, I like the look of them but I also enjoy the extra fitness work out you get from pushing harder and having to stand up. I only need gears when I am going on long rides with my mates.
