Got an idea to boost cycling in London TFL want to hear

If you live in London and you've got a good idea for promoting cycling in the capital Transport for London (TFL) would like to give you some money, but you need to hurry the deadline for applications is in two weeks time on 3 April.

Transport for London (TfL) is calling all Londoners and organisations that are passionate about cycling in the Capital to submit applications for grants of up to £5,000 to help them promote cycling activities in their communities.

The fund, is administered by the London Cycle Campaign (LCC) and is designed to assist the development of events and projects that encourage people to ride bikes and to make cycling an activity that is open to all Londoners.

If you've got an idea that is aimed at building the confidence of infrequent or new cyclist from all types of backgrounds – especially women, children and young people they particularly want to hear from you. Research by Sustrans released last week showed that young women aged 16-24 were amongst the least likely groups to contemplate riding a bike.

Here are some suggestions on what cycling projects could involve from the LCC website:

• cycle recycling through bike maintenance workshops
• cycle riding skills to build confidence
• learning how to ride a bike
• fun leisure rides to improve health and fitness
• creating cycling facilities to gain access to local shops and facilities
• establishing a pool of bikes for use in your community
• training local community members in cycle-related skills
• promoting cycling as a mode of transport

Peter McBride, Head of Cycling, Walking and Accessibility, at TfL said: “We believe cycling offers fantastic potential for change and want to help you turn your ideas into actions - the Community Cycling Fund for London is there to help you achieve this.”

London Cycling Campaign Community Cycling Officer Rosie Tharp said: “We can help groups and organisations plan cycling projects and events that will enable everyday Londoners to experience the joys of riding a bike. If you have an idea, we can help you turn that idea into a successful funding bid so please get in touch to see how we can help.”

TFL has set itself the target of a 400 per cent increase in cycling from 2000 levels by 2025 which would equate to five per cent of all journeys in the capital. There are currently an estimated 500,000 cycle journeys a day in London an increase of 91 per cent since 2000.

To find out more, and for an application visit the Community Cycling Fund page on the LCC website