We’re excited to announce that Party Onbici was selected to participate in the NSW Government’s Smart City Innovation Challenge 3: Active Transport — a prestigious program designed to find technology solutions that make walking and cycling easier, safer, and more accessible across New South Wales.
What is the Smart City Innovation Challenge?
The Smart City Innovation Challenge is a NSW Government initiative that brings together innovators, startups, and technology providers to solve real urban challenges through data and technology.
Challenge 3 specifically focused on active transport — walking and cycling — with the goal of:
- Making bike riding easy and fun
- Helping people overcome barriers to cycling
- Promoting cycling as a viable mode of everyday transport
- Using data to understand how people move through places
The Challenge Process
The Smart City Innovation Challenge is highly competitive, with multiple phases:
- Initial Application — Innovators submit their proposed solutions
- Pitchfest — Up to 10 selected applicants present to a judging panel
- Feasibility Study — Up to 3 applicants receive $50,000 funding
- Proof of Concept — One applicant may receive up to $1 million to develop their solution
Being selected to participate in this challenge validates our approach to making cycling safer through community connection.
Why Party Onbici?
The challenge statement asked: “How might we use data or technology to help people overcome barriers to bike riding?”
Our answer: By connecting cyclists who are heading the same way.
Research from Transport for NSW shows that the biggest barrier for potential cyclists is the “Interested but Concerned” cohort — people who want to cycle but worry about:
- Safety on busy roads
- Cycling alone in unfamiliar areas
- Lack of confidence
- Not knowing the best routes
Party Onbici directly addresses these concerns by:
- Building safety through numbers — riding with others feels safer
- Creating community — connecting cyclists heading to similar destinations
- Sharing local knowledge — experienced riders help newcomers find the best routes
- Building confidence — group rides help new cyclists gain skills and comfort
What This Means
Being part of the Smart City Innovation Challenge:
- Validates our mission — government recognition that community-based solutions work
- Opens doors — connections with transport planners, councils, and infrastructure teams
- Provides resources — support to develop and refine our technology
- Amplifies impact — helps us reach more cyclists across NSW
Our Proof of Concept Ride
As part of the challenge, we conducted a proof of concept ride through Sydney’s CBD to demonstrate how Party Onbici connects cyclists and plans safe routes in real-time.
The Route
Our demonstration route covered some of Sydney’s most iconic cycling infrastructure:
- Start: 11 Hickson Road, Dawes Point (near the Sydney Harbour Bridge)
- Via: Barangaroo, Sydney
- Finish: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Route Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4.7 km |
| Duration | 17 minutes |
| Bike Path Coverage | 58% |
The route showcased how our app prioritises dedicated cycling infrastructure, with over half the journey on separated bike paths — exactly what the “Interested but Concerned” cyclists need to feel safe.
The app works seamlessly across devices, allowing cyclists to plan routes on their phone, tablet, or desktop before heading out.
The Bigger Picture
The NSW Government is investing heavily in active transport infrastructure and technology. This challenge is part of a broader strategy to get more people walking and cycling, reducing congestion, improving public health, and creating more liveable cities.
We’re proud to be part of this movement, working alongside government and other innovators to transform how people get around our cities.
Join the Movement
Every time you choose to ride instead of drive, you’re part of this transformation. And when you ride with others through Party Onbici, you’re proving that community-based solutions work.
Ready to be part of the smart city future? Download the app and find your next group ride.