Burnham Centennial Lakefront Vision Ride

Free 2-Hour Bike Ride Exploring Burnham's Lakefront Legacy and the Hopeful Future of Chicago’s Shoreline.

At 100th Anniversary of The Plan of Chicago, Burnham's vision for a tranquil shoreline remains violated by a 8-lane superhighway.

Though Burnham may have been the most prominent advocate for Chicago 's lakefront, he wasn't the first. The 1836 the Canal Commission decreed the lakefront to be “Public Ground — Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear, and Free of Any Buildings, or Other Obstruction Whatever.”

Decades before Burnham’s plan, Cap and Ma Streeter used a shotgun to defend the lakefront from encroaching development. Montgomery Ward numerous countless legal battles to preserve the lakefront as openspace.

Chicagoans can thank Burnham and many other forebears for bequeathing the city a largely uncluttered lakefront.

But unfortunately, today an 8-lane superhighway separates Chicago from a truly free and clear shoreline. A movement is growing to restore Burnham's vision by eliminating the pollution, dangers and unsightliness of Lake Shore Drive .

On August 30, cyclists will join Chicago 's premiere Daniel Burnham and Montgomery Ward impersonators for the Lakefront Vision Ride, a leisurely tour to learn about Burnham's lakefront legacy directly from the famous planner and to plot a future course for a free Chicago shoreline. New this year will be a cameo appearance by Cap Streeter.

"The Vision Ride is a fun way to educate the masses about Chicago's vibrant lakefront history," said Jim Redd, the world's foremost Daniel Burnham impersonator who is travelling from South America to Chicago to lead the ride. "Today, we have a beautiful, open lakefront because because Burnham and other courageous people throughout history have fought for what’s right. Now, the future’s up to us."

The ride is sponsored by the Campaign for a Free and Clear Lakefront, a grass roots coalition working to remove Lake Shore Drive from Grant Park and eventually from the entire length of the Chicago shoreline. More info at www.ForeverFreeandClear.org or call 773-252-4657