I've had a lot of close calls on my bike"

Pedaling a bicycle built for one.. Thomas Butler knows what it's like to travel on a *road not built for a bicycle.

"Getting around town on a bike is not good in Rockford, It's not bike friendly" says Butler

Right now city leaders are "gearing up" to make Butler's commute a little safer.Marked bike routes have been placed around Rockford. .. along with *these decals painted on city streets to signal separate lanes marked exclusively for two -wheeled riders.The newest path goes from Morsay drive to the Rockford College campus. . it's the latest addition to East States " Miracle Mile". City officials hope the lanes will link us to area parks and local business. Plus it's more than just "green-signs" making Rockford a more environmentally friendly place to live . .. Alderman Beach says in the future... he hopes the lanes will help reduce our carbon foot print while enhancing local business

"It's another opportunity to encourage people to come.. they can come on their bikes to shop and get their hair cut to buy insurance , buy a bagel it's just another way to lifestyle management" says Alderman Beach

and with easy access to businesses and the safety of a sidewalk..Butler hopes other riders will follow in his shadow.