SKaiser writesCheck Out These Pictures from the Active Transportation Alliance Four Star Bike & Chow Event!

The Active Transportation Alliance – aka Active Trans – organizes events like the Four Star Bike & Chow to support their work of promoting a safe and active environment for walkers, bikers, pedestrians and transit users. 

“Active Trans is Chicagoland’s nonprofit advocacy group with more than 7,000 members, 20,000 campaign supporters, and 30,000 annual bike event participants supporting our work to make it better and safer to get around communities and neighborhoods around the region,” Ethan Spotts, Deputy Executive Director for Events & Marketing said.

The Bike & Chow event also provides an opportunity for local businesse to connect with communities, while people experience "new" parts of Chicago, try new foods and meet new people.

The mission of Active Trans is to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. They advocate for transportation that encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

The Four Star Bike & Chow offered 12-, 22-, 43-, or 62-mile route options on Chicago’s South Side. Riders sampled delicious cuisine and enjoyed a post-ride festival offering family-friendly entertainment. These friends said they're enjoying the ride - and the food!

Bridgeport Pasty (Pasty Central located at 3142 S. Morgan St.) represented local business at McGuane Park and served chicken, veggie, BBQ beef or ham/cheese pot pies you can eat with your hands.

One of the last days of summer gave local business an opportunity to mingle with the community in a special dining experience. “Everyone loves the veggie pasty!"

At Ping Tom Park in Chinatown, riders got a choice of Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza or regional Chinese samples from New Furama or Phoenix restaurants.

“It was great to see so many riders come to Ping Tom Memorial Park and enjoy the beauty it has to offer. It’s a hidden gem along the river many people don’t know about,” Sharyn Moy Tu, Executive Director of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce said. “It was also fun to have riders taste Chinese foods they never had before, especially the meat buns.”

“It’s an honor to be able to represent the Chinatown community at functions like this which attract people from all over the city and beyond. It was especially meaningful at the Bike & Chow because it featured three local (Chinese food) businesses. This event provides an opportunity for people to learn about our Chinese culture and all Chinatown offers,” Sharyn Moy Tu (pictured) said.

Deep dish cheese samples made an appearance at Ping Tom Park thanks to Lou Malnati’s.

For a complete list of vendors that made a delightful appearance at this year’s Bike & Chow, please click here. If you’re interested  in other Active Trans events, please click here.