MEDIA ADVISORY
                                                  96-07
CONTACT:  Richard Maulsby
          Lisa-Joy Zgorski
          (703)305-8341

  NEW EXHIBIT OPENS AT THE U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK MUSEUM

Originating in Europe in the 1820s, and first patented in
the United States in 1865, by the mid-1890s, the bicycle had
developed into a sophisticated and affordable means of
recreation and transportation.  Many bicycle innovations
applied to automobile and airplane development.  After many
changes throughout the years, today the bicycle still enjoys
popularity.  Growing concern over air pollution, traffic
congestion, and the sedentary lifestyle of most Americans
has spurred increased interest in the bicycle.  Come learn
about, appreciate and celebrate 100 years of the bicycle's
technological development.

Event:         Museum Exhibit Opening, The Bicycle:  A
Century of Technology

Host:          Bruce A. Lehman, Assistant Secretary of
Commerce and
               Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

Date:          Tuesday, June 25, 1996

Time:          4:15 p.m. Preview for Reporters
          5:00 p.m. Exhibit Opening

Place:         The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Museum
          2121 Crystal Drive (Crystal Park 2); Suite 0100
          Arlington, VA  22202

Historians will be available for comments and questions.

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June 24, 1996