For Immediate Release:       January 12, 2010

Media Contacts:

Mary May

mmay@cityofchicago.org

(312) 744-0576

www.twitter.com/marylmay

Bike Chicago 2010
Celebrating 20 Years Of Biking In The City!

Bike Chicago 2010 is back with more reasons than ever to bike around the city. Making the choice to bike is one way to a healthier you and a greener city and planet. During May, June, July, August and September, more than 100 events will offer fun and exciting ways to promote the economic, environmental and health benefits of biking as an alternative form of transportation.

"During the past 20 years, Chicago has been recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the nation. Chicago has more than 110 miles of bike lanes, 50 miles of bike paths and 12,000 bike racks with more being added," said Mayor Daley. "Throughout the summer, there will be special cycling events all across the City as part of our Bike Chicago program. We encourage our residents to take part in these events because it's a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly way to get around."

Now in its 20th year, Bike Chicago 2010 has become a five month long celebration of Chicago’s commitment to become more bicycle friendly and environmentally conscious. Bike Chicago events include neighborhood, lakefront and architectural bike tours, cycling classes, bike maintenance workshops and much more. This year’s premier events are “Bike the Drive” (May 30); Bike to Work Rally (June 18); LATE Ride (July 10-11); and the Boulevard Lakefront Tour (August 29).

Bike Chicago 2010 is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Goose Island 312. What could be better after a long hot ride through the city than a nice, cold Chicago beer? 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Chicago’s beer, is the presenting sponsor for Bike Chicago. Enjoy the Goose Island 312 beer garden at the Bike to Work Rally on June 18. Finish your ride, then take your taste buds for a spin.

Don’t miss the Bike to Work Rally on Friday, June 18! Riding your bike can help displace more than 238 million gallons of gasoline annually and reduce the amount of volatile pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, released by vehicle emissions. Choose the economic and healthy alternative and become a bike commuter. This challenges commuters to put down the keys, step off the bus and bike their way to work! Join fellow cyclists, local media celebrities, live bands and the City of Chicago at Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn Streets) for a day full of activities beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Bike Chicago 2010 is presented by the Mayor's Office of Special Events and Goose Island 312 in cooperation with the Chicago Department of Transportation, Chicago Park District, Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago Police Department and the Messenger Service Association of Illinois. For more information and details on Bike Chicago 2010, please call (312) 744-3315, (312) 744-3370 (hotline) or visit www.bikechicago.us and now on Facebook (Bike Chicago) or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/marylmay.