Invitation to Mia Birk Book Launch

Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet

By Mia Birk

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

German Marshall Fund of the United States
1744 R Street NW, Washington, DC
2^nd Floor Conference Room

RSVP to Casey Kuklick at ckuklick@gmfus.org or by phone at 202 683 2650

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The German Marshall Fund (GMF) is pleased to invite you to a book launch party on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 from 6-8pm in celebration of “Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet,” by Mia Birk. The book “tells the dramatic and enlightening behind-the-scenes story of how a group of determined visionaries transformed Portland into a cycling mecca and inspired the nation.” The event will be in the 1744 R Street, NW building in the 2^nd floor conference room and will include drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.

GMF played an important role in Ms. Birk’s early professional career and that connection is described in this book. In 1996, GMF awarded Ms. Birk a research fellowship to Europe, which not only helped to change the face of Portland, but also demonstrated to the rest of the United States that American cities can incorporate bicycling into daily life, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their health, and still be economically viable. The lessons learned have permeated through Ms. Birk’s involvement in numerous national organizations, including co-founding the Association for Bicycle and Pedestrian Professionals, the Cities for Cycling Project of the National Association for City Transportation Officials, and the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation.

Select praise for Joyride

"Anyone interested in the future of our communities is going to appreciate Mia Birk's personal account of how we transformed Portland, OR, into the standard for bicycle-friendly cities – and subsequent odyssey in spreading the benefits of bicycling to communities throughout North America."

The Honorable Earl Blumenauer, Member of Congress, a.k.a. the Johnny Appleseed of Livability

“Mia Birk a tireless go-getter who’s driven by her passion for sustainability. There are some people who love bikes. Mia loves what bicycling does for a city. She loves the impact that accommodating bicycles has on a neighborhood, a city and the way people live in it.”

Catherine Ciarlo, Transportation Director, Office of Mayor Sam Adams, Portland, OR and former director, Bicycle Transportation Alliance

"The creation of a bicycle-friendly Portland helped spur a $100 million local bicycle industry, bringing 1500 green, sustainable jobs. Take note: bicycling isn't just good for your health and community, it's good for the economy. Mia Birk's delightful Joyride is one you all want to go on."

Jay Graves, President, National Bike Dealers Association