Long-time bike commuters who share more than 250 years of pedaling to their campus jobs, will assemble to tell about their experiences with participants in the University of Oregon's first-ever Bike Expo on Friday, April 24. The Bike Expo is set from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the last day of Earth Week in the new Amphitheater at the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. The free event will bring together local bicycle manufacturers, bike shops and cycling groups to emphasize the theme, "Bicycles as Community." "From 12:15-12:45 p.m., we'll recognize the veteran bicyclists who have ridden to their offices and classrooms for 10 or more years for their good-to-the-Earth citizenship," says David Niles, hired recently as the university's first bicycle coordinator. "I will be developing a UO bicycle website on the Internet, and I plan to feature these experienced commuters as an inspiration and a resource." Niles founded of the popular Tandem Taxi late-night transportation service on campus. At the Bike Expo, participants will learn about programs that encourage and support bicycling, such as the two recently completed, locked bicycle parking cages on campus. Located under Onyx Bridge near the Science Library, these secure cages have rental spaces available first-come, first-served by the term or by the year. The cages should help to deter vandalism and theft, Niles says. A discussion from 2-3:30 p.m. will focus on other ways people can work together to improve cycling on campus and in Eugene. In case of rain, Bike Expo activities will move indoors to the EMU Ballroom. SOURCE: David Niles, bicycle coordinator, UO Office of Public Safety, (541) 346-5425; e-mail, bikes@oregon.uoregon.edu. -30- #T-2211/DAY