League of Illinois Bicyclists Introduces Newspaper Column

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2004
Contact: Ed Barsotti, LIB Executive Director
630-978-0583
ed@bikelib.org

AURORA, IL -- The League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB), an independent, non-profit, statewide advocacy group, will launch a monthly newspaper column promoting the joys and benefits of bicycling, Executive Director Ed Barsotti has announced.

Barsotti said the column will be available for downloading from websites operated by LIB and the Illinois Press Association (IPA), which represents 600 newspapers in the state. The initial columns focus on touring the state by bicycle, buying a bicycle for a child, getting and staying motivated to bicycle and how to bicycle safely.

"The LIB wants to excite readers about the joy, safety, practicality and health benefits of regular bicycling for all ages," he said. "Bicycling has so much potential. It's a fun activity by yourself, with family and with friends. It's a safe and cheap transportation alternative for commuting, running errands and taking a vacation. It's a great way to exercise, lose weight, improve conditioning and build stamina. And it's a special way to enjoy the outdoors and observe nature up close."

LIB member Dean Schott of Glenview , whose journalism career spans 20 years, including time with the Chicago Sun-Times and The Associated Press, will write the initial monthly columns. Schott, 58, is an active cyclist who has enjoyed riding on the road and trails in the United States and around the world.

"Dean's experience as a journalist and cyclist enables him to share his insights on the many positive aspects of bicycling," Barsotti said. "We hope his columns will inspire more people to begin bicycling and encourage current bicyclists to enjoy cycling even more."

Starting in March 2004, the free monthly newspaper columns will appear on LIB's website, www.bikelib.org , and at the IPA's website, www.il-press.com .

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A Microsoft^® Word version of this press release is available.