National Bike Month may be six months away, but SANDAG is gearing now up – offering $3,000 grants to fund programs and projects that promote biking as a viable transportation choice in San Diego County.

Through its iCommute and GO by BIKE programs, SANDAG is encouraging a wide variety of groups to apply for the mini-grants, including local government agencies; community-based and nonprofit organizations; colleges and universities; business improvement districts; main street associations; and chambers of commerce.

The grants help support a key goal of SANDAG – to encourage people to ride more for everyday trips, including work, play, and practical purposes. There are more than 1,340 miles of bikeways throughout the region. SANDAG and local governments are actively adding new segments to the network – making it easier and easier to choose to ride.

These mini grants are available to groups that sponsor or host events that educate or encourage people to commute by bike.  Eligible activities include:

• Community rides
• Bike scavenger hunts
• Guided bike tours
• Bike maintenance and safety classes
• Bike-to-business promotions in neighborhood business districts
• Bike-to-work or bike-to-campus events
• Campaigns or contests that promote bike riding
• Bike valets at bike-related community events

A total of $30,000 is available to fund GO by BIKE mini-grants. Applications will be accepted through January 22, 2016 at 5 p.m. The funds will be awarded by February 19, 2016.

To be eligible, activities must take place between April 1 and June 15, 2016.

Complete details on eligibility, reporting requirements, evaluation and selection criteria, and timelines are available on the Bike Month web page.