Winter Bike to Work Day set for January 18, 2008
With temperatures dropping and a second CTA Doomsday quickly approaching, many Chicagoans are literally shaking in their boots. Some commuters, however, see this winter as just another season for bicycling.

Bicyclists will January 18 join the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation at Winter Bike to Work Day from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Daley Plaza to celebrate the secret to staying calm amid increased traffic congestion and threats of CTA service cuts: year-round bicycle commuting.

Bicycle commuters will enjoy warm drinks and treats, a free raffle for prizes from the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, and tips for bicycling in the winter.

"Year-round bicycle commuting has become the perfect answer for people who want healthy, reliable, and, believe it or not, warm transportation," said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

Winter Bike to Work Day is a chance to share the joys of winter cycling on the anniversary of the coldest day in Chicago history, January 20, 1985, when the official temperature at O'Hare was -27 degrees with 36 mph wind gusts and wind chills at -93 degrees.

If the thought of bicycling in the winter is still bone chilling, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation recommends www.bikewinter.org for extensive information on ways to bicycle in the cold and snow. Experienced winter cyclists can also find a calendar of winter rides in Chicagoland.

"Bicycling in the winter might seem difficult, but with a few extra layers of clothing, winter bicycling can be just as enjoyable as any other season. The city is good about clearing roads, and your body creates heat as you ride," said Sadowsky.

Winter Bike to Work Day also is a pre-event celebration for Bike Chicago 2008, which brings more than 120 bicycling events to the city from May through September.