Go Smarter Go Active roadshow

WHO ARE TRANSPORT NORTH EAST?

Transport North East provide strategy, planning and delivery services on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee. Their work is aimed at moving to a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving North East.

In summer 2021 Transport North East launched the first ever Go Smarter Go Active Roadshow. With events running throughout July and August at various location across the North East. The Go Smarter Go Active Roadshow provided a mix of free drop-in cycle training sessions, learn to ride sessions, bike maintenance 101, adult refresher courses, and ‘try a bike’ sessions.

Stage One: The Brief

We were asked to provide fun, interactive entertainment across the seven week Go Smarter Go Active roadshow. The goal of the event was to help thousands of people gain confidence in cycling and pick up new cycling skills. This meant that the entertainment had to appeal to a wide age range as well as ideally being based around cycling and riding bikes.

After discussing our performers riding a variety of different bike options such as tall unicycles, penny farthings, mini tricycles and even stilt bikes it was decided that a stunt unicycle would be the best option for this event. This was because in total there would be nine separate locations, and some would have more space than others – they would also be a mix of grass and tarmac which the wide tyre of the stunt unicycle would handle easily.  

go smart go active poster
man riding a unicycle
go smart go active play area

Stage Two: The Itinerary

Over the space of seven weeks the Go Smarter Go Active Roadshow visited: 

  • Willowburn Leisure Centre, Alnwick – 19th July to 21st July 
  • Ponteland Leisure Centre, Ponteland – 22nd July to 25th July 
  • Exhibition Park, Newcastle – 26th July to 1st August 
  • Riverside Park, Chester le Street – 2nd August to 4th August 
  • Hardwick Park, Durham – 5th August to 8th August 
  • Herrington Country Park, Sunderland – 9th August to 15th August 
  • Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend – 16th August to 22nd August 
  • Saltwell Park, Gateshead – 23rd August to 29th August 
  • South Marine Park, South Tyneside – 30th August to 5th September 
children learning to ride a bike
map of park
man fixing a bike

Stage Three: Branding

With 2021 being the first year for the Go Smarter Go Active Roadshow it was important to Transport North East that they established a strong brand awareness from the beginning. To do this they arranged branded flags, water bottles, hats, t-shirts, banners, and safety equipment.

Of course our seasoned performers were more than happy to wear the branded uniforms during their stunt unicycle shows along with the correct bicycle safety equipment to further promote the positive message of bicycle safety. 

go smart go active water bottles
Go Smart Go Active event
go smart go active bike

Stage Four: Drop-in Sessions

The Roadshow featured multiple drop-in sessions to choose from including: 

  • Learn to ride session (5 years+)

The Learn to Ride sessions were fantastic for children who wanted to start learning how to ride a bike safely and gain basic bike skills.

  • Get back on your bike (adult refresher)

The Get Back on Your Bike workshops were designed to give adults, who are either new to cycling or have not cycled in a long time, the opportunity to refresh their bike skills and knowledge so they could get back on their bikes. 

  • Adult ride-along (confidence booster ride)

The adult-ride-along events were aimed at adults and consisted of group rides around the local area, led by an instructor. 

  • Family fun cycle

The Family Fun Cycles were aimed at children (who have basic riding competence already) and families and involved a range of instructor-led activities at the event location. 

  • Bike maintenance 101 (interactive workshop)

The Bike Maintenance 101 workshop allowed people to learn how to fix common bike problems they might encounter on a ride.

  • Try a bike sessions

The Try a Bike sessions provided a brilliant opportunity to try out a range of different bicycles in a no-pressure, relaxed environment. 

  • Dr Bike health checks

The Bike Health Check drop-in session had a qualified cycling mechanic available to ensure guests’ bikes were safe and roadworthy- all for free!

  • Get into gear demo (puncture repair, route planning and more)

The Get into Gear Demonstrations featured qualified mechanics and cycle instructors offering step-by-step advice on puncture repair, route planning, including making best use of cycle paths and cycle lanes.

bike maintenance 101 sign
children being taught to ride unicycles
girl trying to ride a unicycle

Stage Five: Bring in the Guests!

As guests conquered their fear of riding, learned how to fix a puncture, had their first experience on a tandem bike and much more – our stunt unicyclists entertained with their skilful, daring, and imaginative unicycle stunts.

From hop twists and uni spins to crank flips and flatland our stunt unicyclists showcased the many bizarre and unusual tricks that can be achieved on a single bike wheel. 

go smart go active bike riding campaign

“The Stunt Unicyclists really got stuck in a become one of the team every day they were on site.”

– JACK SAWARD

Saward Marketing & Events 

You can see more of our Unicycle Performers here, or if you have your own ideas in mind and would like to discuss a custom package created specifically for you – please use our Contact page.