Paddy Coughlan, publican of the Five Islands Hotel, is planning to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 on bicycle storage and security cameras to encourage more cyclists to stop by the Cringila pub and believes it is money well spent.
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"Besides the road cycling championships coming up in September, we've got the new mountain bike park in Cringila and we've already seen an uptick in customers coming before or after their bike ride," he said.
The Five Islands Hotel is one of the first official Bike Friendly Businesses in Wollongong, and will be part of a new scheme managed by Destination Wollongong to encourage businesses to attract local and visiting cyclists.
The program will run in the lead up and after the UCI Road Cycling Championships in September, and includes venues, retailers, accommodation providers and employers.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said that having seen the impact of the 2019 Road World Championships in Yorkshire in the UK, he wanted to see the same outcome in Wollongong.
"Those that really went for it and made use of the opportunity prospered and it's had a ripple effect," he said.
"The implications of this in terms of the spin off is immense."
Businesses that want to be involved can self nominate and will be assessed by a team from Destination Wollongong.
Successful businesses will be given a sticker to signal their involvement and be promoted by Destination Wollongong.
In addition to those serving visitors and those spending a day out on two wheels, the program hopes to encourage employers to invest in end-of-trip facilities for their employees, to encourage commuting by bicycle.
Destination Wollongong project manager Stuart Barnes said all residents would benefit from improved cycle facilities.
"The commitment of Wollongong City Council to develop a cycle friendly city is bringing increased visitation from cyclists into our city but more importantly creating a better lifestyle for our citizens," he said.
UCI director general Amina Lanaya said initiatives such as the Bike Friendly Business program utilised the event to promote cycling in new ways.
"Wollongong's programme also provides a fantastic example for other UCI Bike Cities to follow, as it will strengthen partnerships, create new links with the business community and encourage further investment in cycling," she said.
"We are delighted to see the UCI Bike City Label encourage such innovative thinking."
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