More than 20,000 Riders to Bike Lake Shore Drive for "MB Bike the Drive," Chicagoland's Unofficial Kickoff to Summer

Registration is still open for the annual event supporting safer streets across the city and suburbs

CHICAGO (PRWEB) May 25, 2018

More than 20,000 riders have signed up for "MB Bike the Drive," an annual event opening Lake Shore Drive solely to bicycle traffic, sponsored by MB Financial Bank, N.A. (MB).

In its 17th year, "MB Bike the Drive," has become a tradition in the city to welcome the unofficial start of summer. A part of MB's larger commitment to build strong and vibrant communities, "MB Bike the Drive" will be hosted on Sunday, May 27, where participants can enjoy up to five hours of car-free riding on Lake Shore Drive between Bryn Mawr avenue and 57th street. The event also includes a post-ride festival with live music, contests, a $10 pancake breakfast and activities for adults and children at Butler Field in Grant Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

This year, members of Chicago's Police Department (CPD) will lead bikers at the start of "MB Bike the Drive." Bicyclists themselves CPD continues to expand their bike teams to service the downtown area, along with the North and West side of the city.

"MB has called Chicago home for more than 100 years, and we are committed to building the vibrancy of this community and making a difference in neighborhoods where we live and work," said Rob Gilland, Chief Marketing Officer at MB Financial Bank. "‘MB Bike the Drive' is one of the ways MB brings Chicagoans together."

"When streets are safer for biking and walking, there's a positive impact for all of those on the road," said Officer Michelle Tannehill, City of Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer. "We are proud to join MB, Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) and our fellow Chicagoans to bring in the summer with ‘MB Bike the Drive.'"

Proceeds benefit Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the biking, walking and public transit infrastructure. Recent significant efforts in Chicagoland supported by ATA include separation of the full Lakefront Trail into paths for bicycle and foot traffic, the 606 elevated park and trail, continued development of protected bicycle lanes across the city, and bicycle trails throughout Chicago's suburbs.

"We're dedicated to making biking, walking and transit safe and easy options for getting around Chicagoland," said Clare McDermott, Director of Marketing and Special Events at Active Transportation Alliance. "'MB Bike the Drive,' plays a major role in supporting our ability to remain a strong and active voice to drive significant infrastructure projects and legislation."

MB has been serving local Chicagoland businesses and families since 1911. Its corporate giving is centered around the well-being of the neighborhoods it serves. Programs include "MB on the Block" Education, an initiative aimed at helping low- and moderate-income high school students in Chicago secure a living wage; and the MB Financial Charitable Foundation, which in 2017 provided grants to over 200 non-profits across Chicagoland serving low- and moderate-income communities through affordable housing programs, community service, economic development, education and event sponsorships. In 1995, MB also launched the MB Financial Community Development Corporation – a wholly owned subsidiary of MB Financial Bank – that is focused on driving neighborhood redevelopment with high-quality lending and investing programs. MB has been awarded an "Outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating for the fourth consecutive examination.

Registration is still open for "MB Bike the Drive." Admission is $61 for ATA members, $66 for non-members and $17 for youth aged 17 and under. Find more information and register at http://www.mbbikethedrive.org.

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About MB Financial, Inc. MBFI
MB Financial, Inc. is the Chicago-based holding company for MB Financial Bank, which has approximately $20 billion in assets and a more than one hundred year history of building deep and lasting relationships with middle-market companies and individuals. MB offers a full range of powerful financial solutions and the expertise and experience of bankers who are focused on their clients' success. Learn more about MB Financial, Inc. at http://www.mbfinancial.com

About Active Transportation Alliance
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling, and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is supported by more than 7,000 members and 1,000 volunteers. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit http://www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15519097.htm