Two leading South Carolina non-profits, Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) and Palmetto Cycling Coalition (PCC), have joined forces to bring Portland-based bicycle transportation expert Mia Birk to South Carolina. Mia will be travelling to Charleston, Columbia and Greenville on September 7, 8, and 9, 2011 respectively for a bicycling and community transformation event like no other.

Ms. Birk worked in the City of Portland’s Bicycle Program and became known nationwide for her leadership in transforming Portland, Oregon into one of the country’s best bicycling and walking cities. While today 7-10% of people are riding bikes for daily transportation, it wasn’t always this way. Ms. Birk will discuss programs, plans, and policies while sharing experiences and stories that inspired progress toward a bicycle culture in Portland. She’ll demonstrate the impact accommodating bicycles has on a neighborhood, a city and the way people in it live.

Each event will include a book signing from her new groundbreaking book, Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet; an engaging public presentation and forum; and an opportunity to get out and bike.

Check out the event on Facebook!