Road rash is a precious gift. Road rash is your friend.
Bask in it, appreciate it, love it. Above all, learn from it.
The bicyclist is under a... read full description
reviews
Dec 05, 2009
Eli
rated it: 
A great book for the new-ish urban cyclist. Hurst examines common bike-related laws in American cities and conventional wisdom among urban cyclists (often two violently opposed things) and then blends the best of both systems to come up with a new style that gives urban cyclists the most benefits and the most safety in riding. Even when you disagree with his conclusions, he encourages you to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and examine why you disagree.
I appreciated Hurst's unflinchin More...
I appreciated Hurst's unflinchin More...
Dec 08, 2008
Dave
rated it:
This very good book is not so much an instructional but more a description of Hurst's nuanced, experienced understanding of the 'art of urban cycling.' Well written, well researched and humorous, this book starts with cycling in the urban landscape from the beginning, from when bicycles might be recognizable but the city-scapes they traveled through were definitely different than today. From this introductory section,Hurst shows how cities have developed to form the sometimes hostile traveling e
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Oct 13, 2011
Amy
rated it: 
Very informative! Definitely contain new information that general cycling books don't have but cyclists need. It is a bit more text heavy though, and some of the tricks is a bit harder to visualize with just text. Some terms are more technical, so a reader would need to look up the terms. The books gears toward historical side and scientific side of cycling.
For some the history side can be interesting, but for some it can be extremely dull. (I am the former, since I like reading urb More...
For some the history side can be interesting, but for some it can be extremely dull. (I am the former, since I like reading urb More...
Apr 16, 2011
Erica
rated it:
Having never done serious city cycling myself, I had a rather romantic view of running errands by bike. This book will cure you of that. From broken collarbones and pollution to the multiple ways one can get mowed down by a car, Hurst runs through the gauntlet of dangers involved in city cycling. Still the main and repeated point of the book is that facing the dangers and being prepared is more than worth it. Also gives some brief history of the bicycle (which amusingly involves Leo da Vinci and
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Jan 02, 2010
Jonathan
rated it: 
This book is timely reading, considering Portland just suffered its second fatal bike-truck collision is as many weeks. While Urban Bikers (see above) is an all-around handbook, Hurst focuses exclusively on safety (plus a fascinating diversion into the history of bicycles). His basic argument is that while bicycles may legally be vehicles, acting like a car is not sufficient protection sans a one-ton metal shell. He offers a bajillion suggestions for defensive cycling. I unequivocally recommend
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Sep 14, 2011
Scott
rated it:
Experience helps most, but this book, with its detailed description of almost everything that can possibly (and eventually will) go wrong, helped me overcome my fear of traffic and gain the mindset of a confident rider. One of its most powerful points: expect every driver, pedestrian, and other cyclist to do every stupid, reckless thing that's physically possible, and to do it right in front of you. If you're wrong, great; if you're right, and you often will be, you just saved a trip to the hosp
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Aug 29, 2007
Jason
rated it:
The Art of Urban Cycling is more than just a book on "how to ride your bicycle in traffic". The author, Robert Hurst, begins with a bit of a history lesson covering bicycles, roads and America's obsession with automobiles. He quickly covers the evolution of the bicycle from the mid-1400s to "safety cycle" of the 1890s and beyond. He then goes into how America's obsession with automobiles and the transition from pedal to petrol power has shaped cities making them less bike
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Nov 03, 2009
Albert
rated it:
Has some very useful chapters about how to ride in a city and easily maneuver specific situations, but ultimately the book has too much filler. The first few chapters about the rise of the bicycle are too fluffy and told in a too-cute, accusatory way. And did we really need a chapter devoted to differentiating road surfaces in more than a bare-bones way?
I just wanted this book to be more professional, considering there are so few books out there about urban cycling.
I just wanted this book to be more professional, considering there are so few books out there about urban cycling.
Jan 09, 2012
Alex
rated it:
As the introduction says, this book aims to cover a wide range of cyclists. As a fairly experienced biker, I really appreciated the history of biking and the discussion of various cycling practices in depth (e.g., to roll through, or not to roll through). The care taken here using statistical information and good anecdotes adds a great deal.
On the other hand, the section on injuries got tedious and seemed like it would do more harm than good to getting more bikers on the road. There' More...
On the other hand, the section on injuries got tedious and seemed like it would do more harm than good to getting more bikers on the road. There' More...
Sep 14, 2011
Jonathan
rated it:
Thank goodness somebody has the gumption to take on squarely several of the sacred cows of bicycling etiquette. Yes, yes, we already know we should bike like a vehicle and signal and wear a helmet. But Hurst dares to navigate and explicate the murky waters wherein each of these seemingly clear ethical bounds becomes blurred.
Sep 02, 2009
Eileen
rated it:
This was a very informative (and entertaining) book. The author is very realistic and not preachy at all. I learned a lot of good tips I will use when I bike everyday to work. I'm not in a major city, but still a city (I work downtown) and so this was very helpful. In addition to practical information (tools, how to ride in traffic, etc etc), it also tells you about the history of cycling, the history of cities, how cities have become what they are today, etc which gives good insight to the biki
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Sep 14, 2011
Steve
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. Hurst writes with a wry tone about the foibles of riders and drivers. He discussed the things both groups do that anger each other. He also emphasizes that riders need to take personal responsibility for their own safety and provides riders with some helpful strategies for visualizing the road and how drivers are likely to move in certain situations.
As with many books on cycling Hurst spends a bit too much time delving into the history of cycling. Overall, More...
As with many books on cycling Hurst spends a bit too much time delving into the history of cycling. Overall, More...
Sep 18, 2011
I could do without the author's tone at times, but it's a fairly easy read and usefully thorough on the whole.
My two big takeaways were:
* don't depend on others for your safety
* the importance of route choice
My two big takeaways were:
* don't depend on others for your safety
* the importance of route choice
Sep 14, 2011
Chris "Stu"
rated it:
Very good summation on cycling in the city. A quick and fairly comprehensive read on the basics and not so basics on how to get around the city without getting killed and without pissing too many people off.
Of course, I started this one day, finished it the next, and got into a screaming match with a driver who called me an asshole and responded very badly to my telling her that it was my fucking lane too, and she should go fuck herself...
So maybe it's not foolproof. But I kn More...
Of course, I started this one day, finished it the next, and got into a screaming match with a driver who called me an asshole and responded very badly to my telling her that it was my fucking lane too, and she should go fuck herself...
So maybe it's not foolproof. But I kn More...
Mar 04, 2009
Caitlin
rated it:
I've checked this out of the library 2x now, and still haven't finished it. Really informative read for anyone considering becoming a bike commuter/reducing their car dependency. Especially good if you lack the confidence necessary to bike alongside SUVs, which let's admit it, everyone could use a little "hurrah!" every now and then.
Some interesting bits on bike history too.
Just couldn't motivate myself to finish it before the due date.
Some interesting bits on bike history too.
Just couldn't motivate myself to finish it before the due date.
Sep 14, 2011
Karin
rated it:
The topic is informative and enjoyable, and the writing is extremely engaging. Essential reading for anyone who spends time on American roads, as a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian. Begins with a well-researched discussion of the historical relationship between bicycles and automobiles. The remainder of the book is packed with a discussion of "safe" urban riding methods, with many references to other published bikeheads. Highly recommended!!!
Dec 17, 2007
eric
rated it:
an amazing collection of random suggestions, considerations, and logical arguments for everything a city bicyclists might encounter on a normal ride. my favorite chapters included "how to fall" and "close combat: positioning in heavy traffic".
definitely the best book i've read so far about city bicycling (ok, the first book i've read about city bicycling, but please, how many of them are there...)
definitely the best book i've read so far about city bicycling (ok, the first book i've read about city bicycling, but please, how many of them are there...)
Jul 04, 2007
Jonathan
rated it:
Most of the guidelines for riding safely in traffic are common sense, but it is still helpful to see this stuff formalized. I did learn a few new things about safe riding, and the initial part on the history of the bicycle was interesting. Toward the end there were some good arguments that comparing statistics about the relative risks of various activities is a fairly useless exercise.
Oct 21, 2008
a must read for anyone trying to navigate the mean streets of an urban setting. I found most of the advice very relevant to my daily bike commute. Plus, he is funny and not too technical, very rare.
I would also recommend it for anyone wanting to be a more bike-friendly driver (everyone!).
I would also recommend it for anyone wanting to be a more bike-friendly driver (everyone!).
Mar 01, 2009
Dave
rated it:
Radical re syncing of the business of surviving on two wheels in the urban jungle. Read it to learn how to cycling defensively. An important book -- even a philosophical one --all cyclists should read.
Jan 29, 2011
Leah
rated it:
Lots of information. Kind of dry so it took me a while to read it, but I'm glad I did.
Sep 14, 2011
Jim
rated it:
The author describes the various theories of cycling, and then invents his own. A nice breath of fresh air when it comes to how to ride safely and efficiently.
Sep 14, 2011
also look for
Commuting in America
author recently interviewed on Today Show, very new book?
does not show in search on Goodreads.
Commuting in America
author recently interviewed on Today Show, very new book?
does not show in search on Goodreads.
Sep 14, 2011
Tiffany
rated it:
Chrissie, a must as you are a burgeoning cyclist.
It enhanced my bag o' tricks for "city" riding, and improved my perspective on it.
It enhanced my bag o' tricks for "city" riding, and improved my perspective on it.
Sep 14, 2011
Steve
rated it:
Excellent book detailing various techniques needed to safely ride a bicycle in today's world.
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 06, 2012
Feb 05, 2012
Jan 29, 2012
