Formerly the Bicycle Program Manager for the City of Portland and a current principal with Alta Planning and Design , Mia Birk is a preeminent figure in bicycle and pedestrian planning in the US. As part of a tour promoting the release of her new book, Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet, Birk spoke to an audience of over 100 people at Union College’ s Nott Memorial in Schenectady on May 25th.  Her message was one of enthusiasm and pragmatism, featuring wonderful personal anecdotes that illuminated her experience with biking, planning, and contributing to the creation of what has arguably become America’ s most bike-friendly city—Portland, Oregon.

Birk touched on several “ keys to success” which she has found to be vital in the effort to create communities that are bikeabale, walkable, and livable—tenets which can certainly be taken to heart here in the Capital District. In addition to those that one might expect—political leadership, advocacy, etc.—Birk cited several less obvious “keys” that are also extremely important. Among these are having “thick skin” and the willingness to take on risks and backlash; coordination between all municipal departments including cleaning crews, police, and emergency response services, in addition to planning and public works departments; and paying attention to examples of “best practices”—we can learn from what others have done!

What do you think are the greatest hurdles to developing bike-friendly infrastructure and changing mindsets in the Capital District?