What you need for a neighborhood bike parade

A neighborhood bike parade needs more than decorated bicycles. This shopping list covers route marking, participant safety, basic roadside repairs, event setup and communication between volunteers. Plan equipment for both the starting point and finish, and check whether signs, barriers and lighting are allowed or required for your route. The items below also help you handle flat tires, low visibility and last-minute changes without stopping the parade.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Bicycle racksqty 12
Beer tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Reflective vestsqty 16
Bike flagsqty 20
Bike pumpsqty 3
Repair standsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 6
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Bicycle lightsqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile phonesqty 4
Mobile chargersqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Traffic equipment

Crowd control barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 24
Warning signsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Safety glovesqty 12
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Thermos cupsqty 100

Decorations

Start arch
Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Prize display

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Butter - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 10 packs
- Straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Trash bag ties - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 4 bottles
- Name stickers - 120 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Markers - 4 sets
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Tape - 10 rolls
- Cable ties - 300 pieces
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Chalk - 6 boxes

Tips

Prepare route equipment before parade day: count the route arrows, warning signs, cones and barriers against every turn, crossing and hazard you marked during the route inspection.
Keep a repair point ready with bike pumps, repair stands, tire levers, spare inner tubes and bicycle tool kits. One pump is rarely enough if several riders have problems at the same time.
Give every traffic marshal and route volunteer a reflective vest, and keep extra visibility equipment at the start and finish. Add bike lights and flags for riders who arrive in poor light.
Set up a clear communications kit: fully charged walkie-talkies, mobile phones, power banks and chargers. Test the range along the route before participants arrive, not after the parade has started.
For the start and finish, check the practical setup separately: tents, tables, chairs, bicycle racks, speakers, a microphone, extension cords and lighting may be needed at both locations. Pack cable covers or place cords where bicycles and pedestrians cannot catch them.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a neighborhood bike parade?: Plan reflective vests for every traffic marshal and route volunteer, plus route arrows, warning signs, cones and barriers for crossings and hazards. Keep spare visibility equipment at the start and finish, especially if the parade may run in low light.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring to a bike parade?: Bring at least 1 spare inner tube for every 10 participating bikes, with a minimum of 5 tubes for a small parade. Carry pumps, tire levers and bicycle tools as well, because a tube alone will not fix a puncture.
What do I need to power sound and lighting at the parade?: For a fixed start or finish setup, pack extension cords, power strips, chargers and suitable lighting such as LED lamps or battery lanterns. Bring at least 2 power banks and test the available power before the event begins.
When should I buy and check the parade supplies?: Buy route signs, safety equipment and repair supplies at least 1 week before the parade. Check batteries, walkie-talkies, bicycle lights and cables 24 hours beforehand, then pack the equipment by location.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.