SUMMARY OF NOMINATION (100 words)
Angus Kingston created the Adelaide Cyclists website in March 2009 in order to bring together the cycling community in Adelaide. Within two years the Adelaide Cyclists website has grown to include over 1300 members. The online forum is broad ranging and inclusive. It has enabled many bicycle users of all levels in Adelaide to connect and share ideas and advice, both specific and general. It has become a platform for community generated events and action. Many members interact “on road” as well as online. Angus continues to maintain and improve Adelaide Cyclists as this dynamic community continues to grow.
DETAILED OUTLINE OF THE NOMINATION (800 words)
1. What has been achieved and what difference has it made to participation in cycling?
Angus Kingston created the Adelaide Cyclists website in March 2009, based on the successful online community forums Sydney Cyclists and Brisbane Cyclists. His aim was to create an online community forum that would be able to connect bicycle users in Adelaide.
Within two years the site has grown to include over 1300 members. It is a dynamic and effective online space for bicycle users in Adelaide, as demonstrated by the diversity of discussions taking place, the range of specific interest groups, and the number of events that are generated by the members. Significant events have included the Ride for Respect and Dwayne’s Ride that were organised by members in memory of cyclists killed in accidents last year. The site encourages people to be active as cyclists in Adelaide, and as the content is user generated, it is a rich resource for local bicycle users at any level or demographic. It is especially helpful for beginning or returning cyclists in Adelaide. Discussion topics range from being very specific and practical (e.g. concerning gear, riding technique, route advice, etc) to political and advocacy issues. Posts are peppered with humour, and the sharing of feelings of frustration or inspiration.
Angus continues to be the driving force behind the website. He runs it as a volunteer, alongside his fulltime work commitments and his family. His passion for both cycling and creating connections in a community means that he is constantly searching for ways to improve the website, and he is often out and about on the many rides and social events that the website generates.
Since the site’s inception, Angus has constantly ensured that the content and discussion is respectful, and that the website is easy to navigate and use so that every member can contribute in a variety of ways, including the discussions, blogs, special interest groups, events, photos and video links. He has highlighted particular member contributions, and includes a “Best of the Week” column. The rolling banner on the site’s homepage is regularly updated with the latest events. Angus starting including pod casts on the site about a year ago, and often has competitions running for members.
2. What are their outstanding achievements?
Angus’ outstanding achievement is to have provided a dynamic forum for a great diversity of people who have one important thing in common – they care about bike riding in Adelaide. The design and committed ongoing attention to the website by Angus means that this forum is easy to use, and easy for connections to be built and translated into action on two wheels.
3. How long have they been involved in cycling issues?
Angus moved from Sydney to Adelaide, and was cycling alone. He became actively involved in cycling issues when he started Adelaide Cyclists in March 2009.
4. What groups have they been involved with?
After starting Adelaide Cyclists, Angus became a committee member for The Bicycle Institute of SA, a volunteer-run advocacy body for bicycle users in South Australia, and his contributions, particularly in enhancing communications for Bicycle Institute members, are highly valued.
Through Adelaide Cyclists, Angus has been involved with Cancer Voices SA, helping to promote their charity work and participating in their events. He is promoting Cycling South Australia, particularly their events for women. He has been involved with Adelaide City Council as they seek feedback from cyclists using the CBD, and with SA Dept of Transport (Office of Cycling and Walking), introducing the Department’s online route planning tool “Cycle Instead Journey Planner” on Adelaide Cyclists.
5. What challenges have they encountered and overcome?
Angus has started and maintained Adelaide Cyclists with zero budget, only recently opening the site up to advertising. He is not a professional web designer, but has learnt a lot along the way! Despite working full time and having a young family Angus understands that constant encouragement of member’s ideas, promotion of events and engagement via competitions makes a world of difference and helps the community grow.