Are you a Sydney resident with a great idea to get people out on their bikes?

The City of Sydney's cycleways have proved to be a huge success. Recent bike counts have shown that the numbers of bike riders have nearly doubled in areas with dedicated cycle paths and infrastructure. Some areas are doing even better; Kent St in the CBD has seen an increase of 172 %, and Bourke Rd in Alexandria 173%. Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP, is keen to build on this. "Whether its a bike bus to work or school, a phone app to help riders navigate the city, or a blog about cutting edge two-wheeler fashion, we want to hear from Sydneysiders with ideas to encourage bike riding," said the Lord Mayor. 

"If you have an idea to inspire more people to ride bikes, or to improve how we share the paths and roads, we'd like to hear about it and help it become a reality." Residents with a good idea can apply for a matching grant of up to $10,000. Volounteer time, equipment, materials and cash can be used in the resident's part of the grant, while the City of Sydney matches the equivalent value in cash.

Possible projects coould include a documentary about bike culture, a bike mechanic pitstop, a bike riding get-together, a festival built around bikes or something completely different. Fiona Campbell, the City's manager of cycling strategy, said City staff are keen tot alk through ideas and help projects get underway. It is hoped the projects will encourage newcomers onto the cycleways and raise awareness of cycling etiquette.

This round of grant applications closes March 21st 2011. More information including FAQs can be found at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/matchingrants