Steve Waugh Foundation launches first Riderless Bike in new work via Havas, Red Agency + FINCH

The Steve Waugh Foundation has partnered with Havas, Red Agency and Finch to launch the world’s first Riderless Bike to raise much needed awareness and funding for the approximately 400,000 children affected by Rare Diseases in Australia.

The Riderless Bike will participate in the Steve Waugh Foundation’s annual fundraising event ‘Captain’s Ride’; a 6-day, 700km bike ride through NSW.

As part of an integrated campaign the Riderless Bike was developed so the children affected by rare diseases who unfortunately are unable to participate, could become part of the ride.

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Built in house at FINCH by a team of five engineers, the Riderless Bike is a children’s bicycle that autonomously follows the peloton with an infrared tracking system, an autonomous steering control system and a 360 camera that allows the children to virtually experience the ride live from their own device. A seven-inch tablet at the front of the bike displays the faces of the children with rare diseases to remind the participants who they are riding for.

A 48V lithium-ion battery provides power to the motor, custom made to fit inconspicuously into the bike frame. The tracking system means the bike follows an infrared beacon attached to the rear of one of the bicycles in the peloton at a range equal to or less than 20 metres. The beacon technology enables target detection in all operating conditions, locking onto to the infrared beacon whilst altering the steering depending on its location.

Steve Waugh, the Riderless Bike and a group of high profile riders began ‘The Captains Ride’ epic six day journey on the 29th Octobersetting off from Mittagong in NSW’s southern highlands and reaching the peak of Australia, Mt Kosciuszko on the 3rd November – climbing over 10,500 metres. The riders will cover a gruelling 116 kilometres a day.

Steve Waugh says that when choosing which route the ride would take, naturally he wanted the one that posed the greatest challenge topographically to match the demands these children face each day.

Says Waugh: “The tallest peak in Australia would come closest to reflecting the challenge faced by children and young adults living with rare diseases and require the same perseverance and determination to overcome it. For us, it’s about teamwork, camaraderie, mateship and ‘Strength of Character’. It’s at the core of what we do, from the people we support to the people who support us.”

Some of the high profile figures joining the ride, include Australian cycling legend Anna Meares OAM – fresh from the Olympic Games in Rio; two-time Brownlow Medal and Australian Rules Football (AFL) Champion and Australian of the Year, Adam Goodes andlegendary British Olympic decathlete, Daley Thompson CBE, who won gold in 1980 and 1984.

Waugh says that since 2005, the Foundation has supported over 600 families (or 1453 individuals and their families), thanks to the generous support of patrons, sponsors and volunteers.

Says Waugh: “The rare disease patient is the orphan of the health system, often without diagnosis, without treatment, without research and therefore without hope. This is why the Steve Waugh Foundation exists. We highly encourage that anyone and everyone wanting to show their support to come down at any point of the journey and cheer on the riders or make a donation at www.riderlessbike.com.au.”

You can follow the Riderless Bike’s journey and watch its live 360 video stream here.

Production Company: FINCH

Account Coordinator: Brenna Baeyens