Charleston Moves invites you to take part in important events September 7th and 8th that will bring together citizens, community and business leaders interested in a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly Charleston.

The Lowcountry is at a tipping point. Come hear (and participate in) an honest discussion of where we stand in Charleston; how we might move forward.

Wednesday, September 7: THE “PEP TALK”: CHARLESTON JOYRIDE

Mia Birk the planner who helped transform Portland, Oregon into America’s premier bicycle-friendly large city, visits Charleston for a series of meetings leading up to her keynote address and challenge to Charleston. Birk’s new book Joyride, Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet highlights Portland’s accomplishments. She is considered a visionary on the vital role bicycling can play in the life of city.

Events include:

• Bike Ride with Mia 1:30 p.m. Charleston-side of the Ravenel Bridge. The group will escort Mia up Wonder's Way to experience our most celebrated bit of bicycle/ped infrastructure, and then escort her through historic downtown Charleston
• Mia Birk Public Lecture 5:30 – 7:15 pm. Wachovia Auditorium, CofC Beatty Center, 5 Liberty Street. Mia shares lessons learned and tools needed to transform communities and empower people, one pedal stroke at a time. A reception and booksigning, or her great book "Joyride," follows from 7:15 – 8:15 at 214 King Street. We will have books available as well.

Thursday, September 8th: ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES: TOWARD A MORE BICYCLE-FRIENDLY CHARLESTON 9:30pm – 5:15pm Charleston Maritime Center (with lunch)

Thursday sessions zero in on the specifics in Charleston. Substantial progress can be celebrated, but projects often don’t get the “traction” they need. A day-long workshop features presentations on current projects conceptual and real. Facilitator for the day, Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, uses these examples to challenge community leaders to find expedited ways to complete them. Participants include regional elected officials, community leaders, business leaders and livability visionaries to better understand the lay of the land, identify successes and failures, and break through logjams related to implementing bicycle friendly policies and plans.

Bike Brew Haha Party:

• 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Maritime Center. Music, Beer (Palmetto and New Belgium), Food (a few food trucks on site), Cycle Chic fashion show, bike games, and more.... Slide shows and updates from the 2 days of planning and working on details for the Charleston Area. Admission is Free!

For a more detailed schedule of events, check out the official Charleston Moves event page.