Velo Fest unveils bike valet and parking plan

Heather Neville, Director of the Velo Fest Community Initiative is asking Historic City News readers in St Augustine to be “gentlemen of the road” as they present their plan to provide dynamic “people-powered” transportation solutions for those attending the Mumford and Sons concert event, September 13th and 14th.

Focusing on keeping tourists and locals mobile during the weekend with their bicycles, the two part program offers a free bike valet service and some parking spots.

“Velo Fest is pleased to announce details for our new transportation solution for the Oldest City, with our Pedal Power Program,” Neville told reporters. “With the assistance of our wonderful volunteers, Velo Fest has the ability to park 3000 bicycles between 3 locations around the city where you won’t be afraid to secure your bike.”

Thanks to a generous donation from Canan Law, Neville reported that there will be no cost to bicyclists for any of the services being offered during the event and that 1,000 bicycle parking spots will be available for future events. Velo Fest Community Initiative, a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit, promotes awareness of bicycle safety, healthy lifestyles through cycling activities, environmental enhancements for safe cycling, historical and cultural awareness, and the economic impact that cycling brings communities through tourism and transportation for visitors.

“Our main operations for the concert will be at the Old Town Trolley parking lot on Orange Street — directly across the street from Francis Field; site of the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover,” Neville told Historic City News. “The prime location has created a unique opportunity for us to offer some fun surprises that weekend.”

If you are arriving by car or live too far away, Velo Fest has established Park and Pedal option through an agreement with the St Augustine Amphitheatre. For $40, you can purchase a two-day pass, per vehicle, to park at the St Augustine Amphitheatre parking lot on Anastasia Boulevard. Load up your car with friends, bikes, and roll into town.
There will be an officer starting at 10:15 p.m. both nights until 3:00 a.m. to help riders across the highway.

As riders leave the lot, Neville said that they will get an LED sticker, to ensure they are visible at night.

In addition to participating in the city Open House on Tuesday evening September 2 at the Casa Monica, Velo Fest will have two meetings of its own for volunteers. You can learn all about the system and how to use it, Neville said. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, attend the orientation meeting on Monday September 1st and Tuesday September 10th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at DOS Coffee and Wine Bar, located at 300 San Marco Avenue in Saint Augustine.