Cyclistas:

This just in-- acclaimed author and Jane Addams impersonator Janice Metzger will be joining Sunday's Burnham Ride at Delay Plaza.

Given that Burnham and Addams didn't always see eye-to-eye on urban planning issues, Ms. Addams is expected to add some fireworks to an already exciting itinerary!

Ms. Metzger will read a passage from her newly-released book "What Would Jane Say?” which looks at lost opportunities to include the work of city-building women in Burnham's Plan of Chicago. The book views the Plan from the point of view of Jane Addams and the many civic activists of the settlement houses. Books will be available for purchase ($20, cash or check) and can be signed. See http://tiny.cc/janesay for more info on this groundbreaking work.

Hope to see you all Sunday, 2pm at Delay Plaza -- for more info on the ride, see below.

Cheers,
Michael

100 Year s Later
Burnham's Back and He's Not Happy


What: Burnham Centennial Lakefront Vision Ride, a Free 2-Hour Bike Ride Exploring Burnham's Lakefront Legacy and the Hopeful Future of Chicago’s Shoreline.

When: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 2pm, meet at Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn

At the 100th Anniversary of The Plan of Chicago, Burnham's vision for a tranquil shoreline remains violated by a vulgar 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 Jane Addams.



"The Vision Ride is a fun way to educate Chicagoans about our vibrant lakefront history," said Jim Redd, who plays Daniel Burnham on the ride. "Today, we have a beautiful, open lakefront because because Burnham and other courageous people throughout Chicago ’s 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.