Think you can build a better bike rack? Now's your chance.

Yesterday the city announced an international competition for a bike rack designed "to be an icon for New York City cycling." The competition is a partnership between DOT and the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum with support from Transportation Alternatives and Google.

The CityRacks Design Competition encompasses two categories: the Sidewalk Rack and In-Building Parking. Competitors may choose to enter in the Sidewalk Rack category, the In-Building Parking category, or both. The competition is open to the international design community including architects, artists, engineers, landscape architects, planners, urban designers, product and industrial designers, and manufacturers. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged to participate.

Designs should draw on contemporary street furniture, like the city's new bus and bike shelters, for inspiration, and should be "constructed of high-quality materials meant to withstand the rigors of New York City sidewalks." DOT will use the winning design as the "new standard" for bicycle parking throughout the city. More than $50,000 in honoraria to develop prototypes will be awarded, as well as $15,000 in prizes for top designs.

See the CityRacks Design Competition web site for more info.