NEWS RELEASE

September 9, 2005

Contacts:

Kris Schachel	Ryan Campbell	Bill McMinn
SICSF	Student Environmental Center	SIUC Rec Center
618-549-7387	618-203-3882	618-453-1268
sustain@siu.edu	ryanelliot13@hotmail.com	billmc@siu.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saluki Cycles Project is Rolling!

Carbondale, Ill. -- Free bicycles are now available for SIUC students to borrow from the Rec Center Base Camp. Saluki Cycles is starting out with a fleet of ten new bikes. The yellow, single speed cruisers are available to borrow for up to two days at a time, and come with helmets, locks, and the proper safety accessories such as lights and reflectors. Also, for fun and distinctness, each bike has a name – “Thoreau,” “Luna,” and “Earthy” are among the monikers chosen by those who have been working to get Saluki Cycles underway.

The program was initiated by the Student Environmental Center (SEC) at the University, and co-sponsored by the Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future, the Bike Surgeon, and the Rec Center. The purpose of Saluki Cycles is multi-faceted. It promotes alternative transportation, healthy and active lifestyles, and environmental awareness. By biking instead of driving, people get good exercise, save money, and reduce fossil fuel emissions.

Sheila Simon, an avid cyclist herself, highlights other aspects: “Carbondale is mostly flat, making biking easy. We also enjoy a climate that allows almost year-round biking. In addition, the community is receptive to increased biking. For example, the city is currently asking for federal funding for more bike path miles.” Bill McMinn, director of the Rec Center, adds “There is commitment to placing more emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle traffic and less vehicular use in the University’s land use plan.”

All involved partners are very excited to see Saluki Cycles rolling. “I’m definitely going to be showboating one of these bikes around campus and Carbondale,” says SEC member Ryan Campbell, “These things are awesome and free! I’m stoked!” Campbell, a senior in plant biology, received a Campus Ecology fellowship from the National Wildlife Federation which provided initial funding, and contributions from local individuals made it possible to purchase the bikes and accessories. The Bike Surgeon, a strong and enthusiastic supporter throughout the process, donated their normal markup to the project and worked with their distributor to get the cruisers at below cost. Their techs also helped assemble and store the bikes before their transfer to the Rec Center. “We feel that efforts like this help us further demonstrate our commitment to the SIUC community,” said Will Scherschel and Jon Greenstreet, Bike Surgeon co-owners.

- end -