by Marc Rath

Cyclists who think they know how Bristol should spend its £22.8 million Cycling City money can apply to be the project's boss.

The individual who can "establish the city as a beacon for cycling" between now and April 2011 would be offered a salary of up to £43,000.

The job advertisement says the successful candidate would have to create a large network of cycle routes in the city, increase the number of cyclists and more than double the number of children receiving cycling training.

"As a project manager you'll be right at the heart of things," it says.

"You'll be instrumental in establishing Bristol as a beacon for cycling. You'll be involved in showcasing best practice cycling initiatives and it'll be you that helps lead the way in changing attitudes and increasing the number of cyclists on the roads.

"Taking the lead in managing all staff, financial resource, partners, stakeholders and consultants, you'll engage their imaginations and secure their commitment to bring about major change."

Bristol, working with South Gloucestershire, saw off competition from Leicester and Manchester to become the country's Cycling Demonstration City in June.

The project's £22.8m, half from the Government and half from the city council, must be spent by March 2011.

Routes have already been planned from the city centre to Whitchurch and from St Werburgh's to Lockleaze.

And an Hourbike scheme – a 24-hour hire service – was introduced in North Bristol in November and will be set up across the city this month.

Josh Hart, from the Bristol Cycling Campaign, said it was important the right person was found for the role.

"We hope they find someone with vision to lead the project aggressively to make sure Bristol is a true cycling city," he said.

"Maybe they should get someone from Germany or the Netherlands, countries where they know how to do this stuff.

"We want the successful person to be bold in their decisions so the way the £22m is spent benefits everyone."

John Roy is Bristol City Council's officer in charge of the Cycling City project. The deadline for applications is Wednesday and interviews will take place in January.