Mia Birk is coming to Greenville! 

Bike transportation expert and advocate extraordinaire Mia Birk will be in Greenville on September 9th. Details are at the Palmetto Conservation Foundation and the Palmetto Cycling Coalition.

As Portland, OR's Bicycle Program Manager from 1993-1999, Mia oversaw the beginning of Portland's transformation into a city where, today, 7-10% of trips are by bicycle. A transformation like that certainly requires vision and foresight, but as Mia's book Joyride details, it also takes resilience, persistence, and will—and having sense of humor never hurts. It's an inspiring read for aspiring bike community advocates, and you can get your copy signed by the author at this event (via the PCF):

"Bicycle & Pedestrian Friendly Communities and Transforming Transportation 
A Public Presentation and Reception 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Open to the public)

A free community event at the Greenville Little Theatre that will feature a Key Note presentation by Mia on the benefits of a bicycle & pedestrian friendly community and how to build multi-mobile transportation networks that serve a diversity of users. Mia will share her observations of Greenville and discuss her experience working in Portland, OR as well as communities throughout the country. She will suggest some simple action steps that can begin transforming how we think about the relationships between economic development, land-use, public health, mobility, public policy, and the environment. Attendees will have an opportunity to submit questions to Mia ahead of the presentation. Attendees will be greeted with complimentary bike valet, food, and drink (served in biodegradable cups); as well as have an opportunity to purchase a copy of Mia’s book Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet, and to have it signed by the author herself. The event begins at 5:30pm with Mia’s presentation at 6:15pm.  A designated bike parking area will be provided, but riders should provide their own secure bike locks."