Richmond.com interviews bike expert Mia Birk

Mia Birk and Eric Weis will to speak tonight to Richmonders about biking and how to make Richmond a more cycling-friendly city. Who will be there to listen? Champe Burnley of the Virginia Biking Federation said last week that registration for the event was almost full. Alix Bryan of Richmond.com interviewed Birk in preparation for tonight’s appearance […]

June 21, 2011; 7:02 AM • by Phil Riggan

Mia Birk and Eric Weis will to speak tonight to Richmonders about biking and how to make Richmond a more cycling-friendly city. Who will be there to listen?

Champe Burnley of the Virginia Biking Federation said last week that registration for the event was almost full. Alix Bryan of Richmond.com interviewed Birk in preparation for tonight’s appearance at the Science Museum of Virginia:

In 1993, Mia Birk went to work as the Portland Bicycle Program Manager….In the six years that Birk held the position, she helped establish Portland as one the most bike friendly cities in the United States.

It was not an easy job, and Birk says that “For many years, I lived and breathed every battle, public meeting, behind-the-scenes roller coaster debate and City Council hearing, cataloging our progress, celebrating our successes, bemoaning our failures.”

My favorite from the thorough interview:

Talk about benefits of bicycling.

Bicycle transportation is a simple, win-win solution for our complex energy, environmental, livability, and health problems. In Portland, we have created, in less than a generation, a city in which people can and do choose bicycling as a normal, everyday means of transportation. Many of us live a car-free or car-light existence. We have more money in our pockets. We are fitter and healthier. Our kids arrive by foot or bike at school energetic and ready to learn. We are less stressed. We are more free.

James River News Hub will be in attendence at the Science Museum and will have more Wednesday.

June 21, 2011 7:02 AM 0