VIP treatment for cycling art lovers
Citizens who like to go to the movies, theatre or any cultural event and choose for the bicycle are treated as VIPs in Ghent.
In September and October, seven VIP-arrangement were developed in cooperation with the Ghent cultural venues and the Flemish environmental board. VIP service for cyclists Citizens who like to go to the movies, theatre or any cultural event and choose for the bicycle are treated as VIP’s in Ghent. In September and October, seven VIP-arrangement were developed in cooperation with the Ghent cultural venues and the Flemish environmental board. (BBL). For the price of a normal ticket, participants can enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and a glance behind the scenes. The lucky ones get a meet and greet with their favourite performers. At arrival they can leave their bike safely at a special VIP bicycle parking. For this initiative the city of Ghent and the BBL worked together with cultural organisations like the Festival of Flanders (classical music), the International Film Festival of Ghent, The Royal Dutch Theatre and the city concert hall ‘Handelsbeurs’. The promotion was done by the booking agencies of the different venues and on different websites and newsletters. The first edition in the city theatre was covered by AVS, the local television, so people were even more surprised. A quote from a participant:: "I do cycle a lot during day time, but I rarely take the bike at night, but the VIP arrangement convinced me to try it, and now I see that it i not that scary as I thought". These VIP-arrangements are a first try-out, but attracted nevertheless local TV and press. Ghent is definitely thinking of a second edition in 2012.
Author: Yves De Baets
