Bicycling in the winter might sound crazy, but most year-round bicycle commuters attest that it's actually easy, fun and toasty warm. Join the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's winter commuting celebration, Winter Bike to Work Day, on Friday Jan. 19. Bike commuters will gather from 7 to 9 a.m. in Daley Plaza for warm treats, hot beverages, free raffle, winter bicycling tips and to celebrate with other friendly commuters.

"Most days in the winter are ideal for bicycling," says Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. "If you enjoy bike commuting in the summer, just take a chance and you'll learn quickly that it's even more fun in the winter."

Winter Bike to Work Day isn't the only chance to celebrate winter bicycling. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation recommends www.bikewinter.org as a comprehensive resource to get almost anyone enjoying their bike during the winter months. The Chicago Bike Winter calendar already boasts more than 30 winter events including recreational rides, workshops, races, social outings and cultural events.

In its fourth year, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's Winter Bike to Work Day marks the anniversary of Chicago's coldest recorded day. On Jan. 20, 1985, the official temperature at O'Hare International Airport was minus 27 degrees with 36 mph wind gusts that produced wind chills as low as minus 93 degrees.

Winter Bike to Work Day also is a pre-event celebration for Bike Chicago 2007, which brings more than 120 bicycling events to the city from May through September.

The non-profit Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has worked for more than 20 years to engage people in bicycling, encourage activity, increase traffic safety, and design a world-class bicycle facilities network. Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is North America's largest bicycling and pedestrian advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, more than 1,000 volunteers and 35 full- and part-time staff. For more information on the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, visit www.biketraffic.org or call (312) 427-3325.