The sky was cloudy, but spirits shown bright among dozens of riders on Berwyn’s Bikes and Bungalows tour. Organized last week by the city’s Active Transportation Committee and preservation advocacy group City of Homes, the event was an unqualified success.
Active Transportation Alliance members Anna Wagner and Vince Zaworski volunteered as docents to highlight existing and planned bicycle/pedestrian features along a 5-mile course. Just in time for the ride, bicycle route signage that is recommended in the Berwyn Active Transportation Plan had been installed.
Docents shared intriguing insights about the city’s historic homes. Who knew that like Chicago, Berwyn has a Gold Coast neighborhood? (The name was applied by an early developer who put gold edging along the windows of his bungalows!)
At a post-tour gathering in the Depot District, riders enjoyed pizza, beverages, live music and goodie bags. Local businesses supported the event and organizations like MacNeal Hospital and the Berwyn Historical Society were on hand with additional information. Berwyn police officers also provided traffic control for the tour and escorted the groups.
Active Trans staff and board members who attended were duly impressed by the city’s new bicycle/pedestrian initiatives, historic ambience and community spirit!