08/31/00
Chicago-area cyclists have been riding CTA 'L' trains with their bikes on weekends since early May, and the CTA is now offering gift items that will help them ride in comfort and style. It's all part of CTA's Gift Express Program, which offers a variety of items, including T-shirts, caps, neckties and scarfs, and jewelry made from authentic discontinued CTA tokens.
Newly available for sale are a zippered cycling jersey and water bottle, each in yellow and black, with CTA's name prominently featured. The jersey sells for $42, and the bottle for $5.
The jersey is made of a high?performance fabric with a moisture wicking ability that draws moisture away from the body to the surface of the shirt. A triple pocket is attached to the back of the jersey at the bottom to store personal items.
The new 21-ounce water bottle will fit into the holder on any standard bike. The ?wide-mouth? opening at the top makes it easy to drop in ice cubes and wash the bottle after it has been used.
?These are ideal accessories for the cyclists who can use our 'L' system on weekends to reach destinations in the CTA service area," said CTA Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. "Bicycling is not only a good way to stay in shape, but using CTA for part of a trip and cycling the rest of the way can also help cut down on traffic congestion and reduce pollution."
?The addition of these new yellow and black shirts and water bottles to our Gift Express Program will help carry the message that CTA is user-friendly to bicyclists," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. "We want more cyclists to become aware of the wide range of cycling opportunities that are available to them within our service area every weekend."
For a complete listing of all the items available through CTA's Gift Express Program, go to CTA's website at www.transitchicago.com or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.
A pilot program introduced a year ago allowed bikes on trains Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. On May 6, 2000, the program was extended indefinitely to weekends and holidays throughout the year, with the exception of July 3, when trains are crowded with spectators heading to and from the pre-Independence Day fireworks display in Grant Park.
Cyclists 18 years and older are encouraged to bring their bicycles onto any of the six rail lines that operate on weekends. Up to two bicycles are allowed per car. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to board with bicycles, and an adult must accompany cyclists ages 12 to 17.
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