ChampaignCountyBikes.org                                                                                July 15, 2008           
Rich Furr, publicist
359-1995
rfurr@prairienet.org

Distribution of Champaign-Urbana Area Bike Route Map to Begin

CHAMPAIGN - - A map with preferred bicycling routes through Champaign and Urbana will make its debut at 10 AM on July 19th in a presentation with Urbana Mayor, Laurel Prussing, University of Illinois' Acting Dean of Students, Ruth McCauley, C-U MTD Marketing Director, Jan Kijowski, and League of Illinois Bicyclists Executive Director, Ed Barsotti. The event will be held at the Market at the Square at Lincoln Square Village in front of the “Share the Road” C-U MTD bus.

    The map features routes that are rated by level of “cycling comfort” and are colored green, yellow or orange, depending on their compatibility with cyclists. The routes were developed by members of Champaign County Bikes in conjunction with the League of Illinois Bicyclists. On the back of the map is bicycling safety information and information about C-U MTD routes and bikes on buses.

   20,000 copies will be made available at local bike shops, fitness centers, other retailers, and public buildings throughout the communities. 10,000 copies will be distributed on the University of Illinois campus.

    Rick Langlois, Chairperson of ChampaignCountyBikes.org, said the map is the latest of a safety and education campaign promoting community awareness of bicycles and responsible cycling, and reinforcing that motorists and cyclists share the “Same Road, Same Rules, Same Rights” message.

    The map was produced by ChampaignCountyBikes.org and the League of Illinois Bicyclists with generous support by C-U MTD, Carle Foundation Hospital, the City of Champaign, the City of Urbana, the University of Illinois, The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign, the C-U Safe Routes to School Project, the Prairie Cycle Club, local bike shops Bike Works, Champaign Cycle, and Durst Cycle and Fitness, and That’s Rentertainment.

    For more information, contact Furr at 359-1995, rfurr@prairienet.org, or Info@ChampaignCountyBikes.org