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Bicycles in the movies

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation presents a monthly feature of bicycle themed movie reviews. Not every movie with a bike is eligible. The reviewers focus on films that either feature bicycling related themes or key moments showcasing our favorite form of transportation.

The federation's resident critics are Greg Borzo (The Bicycle Guy) and Brad Strauss (The Movie Guy). Borzo and Strauss are opinionated, and can rarely agree on anything. But one thing is certain - whether it's an old classic, a popcorn flick, an indie, or a foreign film, if it has a bicycle theme, you?ll know about it and whether it?s worth your time and money.

In my own humble view, "Breaking Away" is the best bicycling film ever made. The acting is wonderful, the cycling action scenes are photographed well, and coming-of-age theme ties everything together very well.

For those of you who live in the Chicago area, you may want to check this out:

What
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation film critics Greg Borzo and Brad Strauss will discuss bicycle trends and themes in movies, while highlighting how the movie industry has portrayed two-wheelers, as part of the Chicago Cultural Center's "Creative Living in the City" lecture series. Borzo and Strauss, whose "Roll Film!" bicycle-themed movie reviews are posted online at www.biketraffic.org, will also present clips of some of their favorite movies and comment on their significance.

Why
Bicycles have played roles in - and been the subject of - a surprising number of films, including such classics as "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), and such lesser-known flicks as "American Flyers" (1985) and "Beijing Bicycle" (2002).

Where
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
5th Floor Meeting Room

When
Thursday, January 13, 2005
12:15 p.m.

How
Admission is free and open to the public.

Who
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation was founded in 1985 to improve the bicycling environment in the seven-county Chicago region. The Federation promotes bicycle safety, education, and facilities and encourages the use of the bicycle as an energy-efficient, economical and nonpolluting form of transportation and as a healthful and enjoyable form of recreation. For more information, visit www.biketraffic.org

Roger 0 comments 6:27 PM