By Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn

As an avid bicyclist, I am proud to support the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s efforts to make Chicago, the region and the state, the best places to bike in the country.

Bicycling is a bi-partisan issue that helps everyone.

Last summer, I biked, hiked and drove the Illinois leg of the Great Lakes Circle Tour. This 6,500-mile international scenic road system encircles the Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater system. I started at Wolf Lake on the Indiana state line and traveled along the lakefront to Chicago’s museum campus. I continued north and stopped at two beaches on the North Shore and ended my trip at Winthrop Harbor on the Wisconsin state line.

Bicycling is also an affordable and reliable means of transportation. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, the cost of operating a bicycle for a year is about $120. The cost of operating a car is about $5,170 per year.

There are 17 major commuter rail systems in the United States. A year ago, the Metra and the South Shore line were the only commuter rail systems in America to prohibit bicycles from all trains. I joined activists from the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and League of Illinois Bicyclists to call on Metra to adopt a policy allowing bikes on weekend and non-peak hour trains. The Illinois House of Representatives passed our “Bikes on Metra” bill with a unanimous vote. Prior to a vote in the Illinois Senate, Metra responded by establishing a pilot program allowing bikes on trains. The pilot program was a huge success and on Oct. 21, 2005, Metra’s board approved a permanent policy allowing bikes on weekend and non-peak hour trains.

Bicycling is a great help to achieving a healthier lifestyle. Most of us don’t get enough exercise. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to health problems including exacerbating heart conditions and diabetes. Bicycling helps people stay fit and it’s fun.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is making our region a better place to live, work and play. I look forward to seeing you out on the trails.

Pat Quinn is lieutenant governor of Illinois

By State Sen. Steven Rauschenberger

Over my years in the legislature I have advocated for many groups and issues, but not many closer to my heart and interest than that of bicycling.

I’ve been an avid cyclist for years, having participated in events across the Midwest and Illinois, including Iowa’s popular RAGBRAI ride.

When it comes to the enjoyment of riding, I am not without company. One only needs to look at the turnout for events like Bike The Drive and Bike to Work Day in Chicago, or the numbers of riders on bike trails throughout the suburbs to see how many people enjoy cycling as a hobby.

Our hobby is not without controversy, however, and I have long used my office to fight for the rights and privileges afforded cyclist across the state. Freedom of the roadways, increased trail funding, and access to trails are all issues I have and will continue to fight for.

With all the benefits of riding to health, the environment and the checkbook, I have long wondered why there is resistance to responsible expansion of trails like the Great River Road Trail or the Grand Illinois Trail that would connect the Quad Cities to Joliet.

It is important that all interests involved and legislators from both sides of the aisle work together to encourage more people to ride. It helps our communities. It helps our environment.

I will continue to support the groups and issues of Illinois cyclists, not only because it affects me, but because it can positively affect so many others.

State Senator Steven Rauschenberger (R-Elgin) is an avid bicyclist and a candidate for lieutenant governor in the March Republican primary.