Coca-Cola in partnership with Bicycle Network
What is The Happiness Cycle?
In 2014, Bicycle Network and Coca-Cola embarked on a major national initiative to get Australian teens on bikes, having fun, and establishing
healthy habits around physical activity. This unique program is called The Happiness Cycle and targets teens in local communities across
the nation. This age group is our focus because research shows physical activity drops dramatically around these ages1. We also know that
physical inactivity is a major public health problem with huge costs to the community both now and into the future. Habits developed as a
teenager, stay around for life. Getting teenagers used to riding for fun, recreation and transport is a key way to encourage positive exercise
habits.
In 2014, 5,400 teenagers committed to activity goals and rode away on their Happiness Cycle bikes towards happier and healthier, more
active lives. We are excited to be working with the Beacon Foundation in 2015 in order to continue to grow the Happiness Cycle movement.
Who is Bicycle Network?
Bicycle Network is one of Australia’s premier cycling organisations, with extensive, world leading experience in getting more people cycling
more often. We are a nationally-operating charitable organisation with measurable, large-scale success in community participation and
the promotion of healthy lifestyles through bike riding. We’re dedicated to improved bike riding conditions and infrastructure, responsible
for Australia’s biggest mass participation cycling events, and operate some of the country’s most successful cycling behaviour change
programs, such as the National Ride2Work and Ride2School programs.
1
A key finding from the 2011 – 2012 Australian Health Survey was that 15-17 year olds are leading sedentary lifestyles compared with younger children and young adults (http://www.
health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-evidence.htm). The 2011 and 2013 National Cycling Participation Survey by the Australian
Bicycle Council found that just 20.3% of 15 – 17 year olds rode a bike in the past week.
1
Happiness Cycle in 2015
Bicycle Network and Coca-Cola are excited to be working with the Beacon Foundation in 2015 to distribute bikes to 4000+ Australian
teenagers. Teenagers from Beacon-partnered schools will be selected on the basis they are aged between 13 and 17 years of age, and
(preferably) do not already own a working bike. Acceptance into the program will be on a first come first served basis through the online
registration system.
What are the benefits of active
teenagers for your school?
It’s simple really. Students who actively travel to school arrive awake and alert, improving their concentration in class and ability to
understand the curriculum. Research also tells us that physically active students are healthier, happier and more socially connected.
60 minutes is the minimum daily requirement for physical activity for children under the age of 182. Getting teens out of cars, off public
transport and into active travel is believed to be the most effective way to improve levels of physical activity.
Active transport can also reduce congestion and parking problems, leading to healthier local environments and communities.
How Does it Work?
Teenagers can register via the online registration system that can be found at www.happinesscycle.com.au. At the point of registration,
teenagers will be asked to commit to a physical activity goal in order to join the program, and will need to specify their height to ensure the
best-fitting bike frame is available for them on the event day. Participants will also be asked to print a waiver form, which should be signed
by a parent or legal guardian and presented upon arrival at the Happiness Cycle event. Numbers are limited, so be sure to get your teens
registered early!
There will be two start groups on the event day – you and registered teens will be notified of your start time by email approximately one week
prior to the event day. Don’t be late. Once all your teens have had their names checked off, they will be briefed and given instruction on how
to build their bike. It’s easy, and teens don’t need to have any experience building bikes – we will have a team of mechanics on hand to help
out if need be, and complete the final safety check on all bikes before the teens get outside and riding.
They will then participate in a bike riding course. Fully supervised by qualified instructors, they will ride through a number of fun and
interactive stations challenging their endurance and balance, and skilling them up to become safe and confident riders. And if it’s their first
time on two-wheels, we’ll make sure they have the necessary skills to ride away confidently. Once they’ve completed all their skills training,
teens are free to ride their Happiness Cycle bikes home (or follow a pre-arranged exit plan with their school group).
But it doesn’t just stop there! 1, 3 and 6 months following the event day, we
want to hear from your teens about how they’re getting on with their riding. With
their permission, we will be sending them surveys to understand how they’re
using their bikes, and how often. Teens who fill out our surveys will go into the
draw to win great prizes. We also need you to help by encouraging teenagers at
your school to complete the surveys when they hit their inbox.
The short survey contains seven questions which relate directly to physical
activity, attitudes towards physical activity, and perceived levels of well-being.
This data allows us to identify and understand any changes in behaviour over
time as a result of the Happiness Cycle program.
Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health Physical Activity Guidelines
(http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-actguidelines)
2
2
5397 27
Here’s
a snap
shot of Happiness
what we Cycle bikes
achieved given away
in 2014
14%
are
riding
everyday
43%
of teens
event
days
riding 3 - 5
times per week
Riding as a
preferred
97% sport up
of participants
active at
least 1 hour
per day
Results are based on participants who participated in
surveys and may not reflect the population as a whole.
60%
3
But don’t just listen to us – here’s
what our Happiness Cycle community
have told us:
We firmly believe this is an amazing project that is beneficial not only to
the development of young people’s overall wellbeing, but has the potential
to have a greater positive impact on the surrounding community.
Toby Schaefer-Darling, Wollongong City Council
Last week I had the immense privilege of attending Blacktown’s Happiness
Cycle event. The event was a true success and I am writing to thank you for
this incredible initiative that will assist hundreds of young people to lead
healthier lifestyles. It is very rare that organisations such as yourself provide
such extensive support for youth programs and I am extremely grateful
for this program. I have already used my bike several times this week and
thoroughly enjoyed attending The Happiness Cycle.
Sophia Wakeling, Blacktown Happiness Cycle participant
What a fantastic program! We had a great day and the 3 lads we
brought thoroughly enjoyed the day also. One of the mums rang
complaining she can’t keep him off his bike!!!!!!
An outstanding program and well directed. It was very well conducted
from beginning to end. Keep up the great work.
Kurt Foessel, Volunteer and Senior Constable, Gold Coast
Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained a lot of
skills from the day. I have questioned a few of them about their use
of their bikes over the weekend and it seems that many used their
bikes and had their families involved in activity with them.
Kevin Peterson, Teacher in Charge Health and Physical
Education, Governor Stirling Senior High School, Stirling
Our clients come from disadvantaged backgrounds and they unfortunately do not
have the financial capacity to purchase bikes. Although your program aims to support
a healthy cycling lifestyle, it also gives our clients a sense of freedom, independence
and a sense of pride in their lives, something they are often lacking. The bikes also
give our clients the ability to engage with their community and socialize with their
friends, all elements which will greatly improve their mental health.
Life Without Barriers, Logan
4
2014 Participant Profile
Matthew Pomery
Adelaide teen Matthew Pomery was one of over 5,000 teens who
benefited from the Happiness Cycle program after he attended
the program’s event day in Playford, South Australia with friends in
August 2014.
Matthew was already involved in the school’s Pedal Prix program
before joining the Happiness Cycle. Pedal Prix get students involved
in building and racing recumbent trikes, known as Human Powered
Vehicles (HPV). Not owning a bike of his own, Matthew jumped at
the opportunity to sign up to the Happiness Cycle program and earn
his free bike so that he could extend his training and fitness for HPV
racing even further.
But for Matthew, the Happiness Cycle event day provided more than
the opportunity to get fit on his own bike – the technical challenge of
building his own bike provided him with a great learning opportunity.
“Finding out more about how the bikes worked as we went so that I
could fix them as well” was an unexpected highlight of the day.
Matthew now rides his Happiness Cycle bike to and from school
every day, a round trip of 32 kilometres that now replaces his
daily train commute. “It makes me happier to know that I’m doing
something active and healthy for my body. As well as that I feel more
awake and ready to go each day”.
And it’s not just about the fitness. Matthew rides with two friends,
and their bike riding has also increased since becoming part of the
Happiness Cycle program. Bike riding gives them an opportunity to
hang out together more often – “If you don’t have a car, you can go
there by bike. You can also ride together, go to a skate park, and just
socialise”.
Would he recommend The Happiness Cycle to other teenagers?
“Yeah, I would highly recommend it to all teenagers. It’s a great
opportunity to get fit and healthy, meet up with friends, and also meet
new people”.
“My endurance has improved when it comes to sport, work and in life.
I feel like I have energy each day.”
“Yeah, I would highly recommend it to all teenagers.
It’s a great opportunity to get fit and healthy, meet up
with friends, and also meet new people”.
5
What to Expect
Teens should come to the Happiness Cycle event dressed ready to ride their bikes, wearing comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather
and closed in shoes.
Make sure all teenagers attending Happiness Cycle event day have their signed waiver forms ready to give to the Happiness Cycle team.
We will provide all attendees with lunch and water to ensure that everyone stays energised and hydrated!
The Bikes
We are thrilled to announce Reid Cycles as our bike partner for 2015, delivering high quality bikes and support to The Happiness Cycle.
Teens will be building their very own bike and should be prepared to take it home at the end of the day.
Participants will receive a unisex hybrid bike, and will have the option of four different frame sizes. At the point of registration, participants
will be asked to specify their height in order to ensure the best possible fitting bike is available for them on the Happiness Cycle event day.
The Gear
All teenagers will leave the Happiness Cycle event day fully kitted out to ride their
Happiness Cycle bikes safely.
Helmets
When riding a bike in Australia, it is compulsory that riders wear a helmet that
complies with mandatory Australian standards. All teenagers receiving Happiness
Cycle bikes will be fitted and supplied with a helmet.
Lights
One red and one white light will be given to every Happiness Cycle participant.
Lights are mandatory when riding at night or at times when visibility is poor.
Lock
To keep their Happiness Cycle bikes safe and sound when they’re out and about,
participants will be provided with a D-Lock.
6
7
Contact us!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us
if you have any questions or comments.
P: (03) 8376 8888 Freecall: 1800 639 634
W: www.happinesscycle.com.au
E: [email protected]
8
Coca-Cola in partnership with Bicycle Network
Phone: (03) 8376 8888 Freecall: 1800 639 634
[email protected]
bicyclenetwork.com.au