Cross-posted from the Critical Mass mailing list:

Cyclistas:

On the 100th anniversary of the "1909 Plan of Chicago", Chicago Critical Mass founder Jim Redd is returning from oversees to reclaim his much-acclaimed title as the world's formemost Daniel Burnham impersonator!

See below for all the exciting details on the Burnham Centennial Lakefront Vision Ride and mark your calendar for Sunday August 30th @ 2pm.

On a related note, Burnham neeeds to borrow a suit. If anyone has a 40 Long they can lend to Mssr. Burnham, please e-mail me offlist at mickhailb@yahoo.com.

Cheers,
Michael




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

“First in importance is the shore of Lake Michigan . It should be treated as park space to the greatest possible extent. The lakefront by right belongs to the people… not a foot of its shores should be appropriated to the exclusion of the people.” -- The Plan of Chicago, Daniel Burnham, 1909

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

Though Burnham may have been the most eloquent 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 fought countless legal battles to preserve the lakefront as openspace.

Chicagoans can thank Burnham and 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 Chicagoans about our vibrant lakefront history," said Jim Redd, the world's foremost Daniel Burnham impersonator. "Today, we have a beautiful, open lakefront because because Burnham and other courageous people throughout Chicago ’s history have been willing to fight 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.
###

The history of this plan is currently the "One Book One Chicago" book at the Chicago Public libraries, which have multiple copies.