| Book Review: Joyride Pedaling Toward A Healthier Place |
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Pump up your tires and hop on for a Joyride!By Mia Birk Mia Birk is an avid cyclist who led Portland, Ore., in a biking revolution — from auto-centric city to cycling Mecca. Recently, Birk came to Calgary to ride its roads and pathways, and share success stories of what it takes to build a bike friendly city. Birk spoke at the John Dutton Theatre just as she bikes — unapologetically with a glint in her eye, and wearing a skirt. She held a copy of the memoir tracking her path from out of shape Texas teen to the mid-40s force behind America’s urban cycling renaissance. Her narrative is readable and funny with entry points for spandex-clad road bikers and cycle commuters alike. Birk got into biking for health reasons. Hopping off the couch onto a bike seat changed her life and launched her 15-year journey to making Portland a cyclists’ paradise. Joyride highlights her dogged determination, planning and policy wisdom, and her ability to speak to people. One morning, Birk plans overhauls to transportation policy. Later, with a box of donuts on her bike rack, she pedals to meet road maintenance, convincing crews to clear broken glass from bike lanes. That’s Birk, using the tools, making change happen. Reflecting on her visit to Calgary, Birk wrote, “Calgary: I love your spirit, momentum, and potential. The time has come. The time is now. Focus. Adopt that cycling strategy, and go like hell . . .” Joyride provides great inspiration for helping to shape the cycling culture in any municipality. |
