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6th out of 7 books
—
2 voters
Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities
by
Jeff Mapes
In a world of growing traffic congestion, expensive oil, and threats of cataclysmic climate change, a grassroots movement is carving out a niche for bicycles on the streets of urban cityscapes. In Pedaling Revolution, Jeff Mapes explores the growing urban bike culture that is changing the look and feel of cities across the U.S. He rides with bike advocates who are taming t...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
March 1st 2009
by Oregon State University Press
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This is some of my favorite non-fiction that I've read in the last few years. I ride bikes a good bit for fitness, commuting, and errands. Prior to reading this though, I did not have strong opinions on transportation issues beyond "bike lanes: good; sprawl: bad." Mapes packs his book with facts, and you must think just how commonsensical a solution bikes are to many 21st century American problems: energy, pollution, obesity, sprawl, lack of community, and generally sedentary lifestyles. And it'...more
A thoroughly fascinating, well researched, and insightful look at the past, present, and future of cycling. Jeff Mapes delves deep into the various rises and falls of the bicycle since its invention, focusing hard on recent decades, during which cycling as a transportation alternative to the automobile has come to prominence. Mapes takes us into cities around the world (though the focus is in the USA) to catch a glimpse of the countless benefits of biking in places where it has been embraced as...more
A helpful history of bicycle advocacy.
Most insightful tidbit for me was that everything in Portland was kickstarted by a lawsuit that the City of Portland lost. Cities don't become like Portland willingly - bike advocates had to sue.
Some people think this book focuses too much on official advocacy, mostly don't by white people who receive grant funding. Not enough anarchy, poor folks, and folks of color, all of whom are a big part of the bicycle movement.
I also noticed that the book had no love...more
Most insightful tidbit for me was that everything in Portland was kickstarted by a lawsuit that the City of Portland lost. Cities don't become like Portland willingly - bike advocates had to sue.
Some people think this book focuses too much on official advocacy, mostly don't by white people who receive grant funding. Not enough anarchy, poor folks, and folks of color, all of whom are a big part of the bicycle movement.
I also noticed that the book had no love...more
The narrative of one writer gathering information about his experience with bicycles, in comparison to that of others, including movements in New York, California and Portland, Oregon. To this point, I've enjoyed the sparse, almost analytical nature of his writing - while describing certain characters, he doesn't give in to extemporaneous segues or belittle others by not, and clearly defines a number of key individuals whose efforts as bicycle advocates have altered the landscape of urban transp...more
I feel empowered! But not really...
Well, I wish they had a "skimmed" option as far as read/reading. It started fairly strong, and made lots of good points, but by the end, I was skimming a bit. The parts about biking in Europe and attempts here in the US are very interesting, and I'll never see Critical Mass in the same way, but near the end, I was just terrified of being crushed by a trash truck. I had to read selectively.
I like what he's going for, but I personally just don't see any room in "...more
Well, I wish they had a "skimmed" option as far as read/reading. It started fairly strong, and made lots of good points, but by the end, I was skimming a bit. The parts about biking in Europe and attempts here in the US are very interesting, and I'll never see Critical Mass in the same way, but near the end, I was just terrified of being crushed by a trash truck. I had to read selectively.
I like what he's going for, but I personally just don't see any room in "...more
An interesting book. I never really considered all of the different benefits of riding a bike. There is the obvious health and environmental pluses, but it is also a great way to bring communities together, to reduce traffic accidents (cars tend to reduce their speeds and become more alert when they see bicyclists around) and it gives one a view that they wouldn't normally get in a car. I have many fond memories of riding my bike when I was young and it saddens me to think that my grand children...more
Did you love to ride a bike when you were a kid? Remember that feeling of independence, the ease of cruising along, the thrill of coasting downhill? Many adults all over the world are reconnecting with that joy by cycling instead of driving locally. This book details the movement toward bicycle-friendly environments in cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York. Cycling can solve so many national problems--it reduces carbon-emissions, traffic congestion, fuel costs and individual obesity. Cycli...more
1 like · like · see review
It's a compelling read. Jeff Mapes presents a clear, logical argument for changing the way we think about transportation here in the States. The bike should be more front and center, as it will help us with some of our current health problems, economic problems, traffic congestion, and of course, global warming. Then again, I felt this way before I read the book, and it only confirmed what I previously thought was true. I would like to know how someone that is unfamiliar with riding a bike for t...more
Only three stars because none of the information was new to me. That's unfair though, it's not the book's fault that I already love to ride my bike, commute by bike whenever I can and have absolutely no qualms about riding my bike in any attire and any weather (in fact, my current bike was bought specifically for its skirt-friendliness.)
Pedaling Revolution would be a great introduction for anyone who wants to learn more about bicycle commuting/using bicycles as transportation, the different typ...more
Pedaling Revolution would be a great introduction for anyone who wants to learn more about bicycle commuting/using bicycles as transportation, the different typ...more
This book inspired me to cycle more and to be proud of it (always an uphill battle in the anti-cycle auckland). Lots of the book deals with how activists and politicians have grown cycling in places like Portland and NYC. It's too easy to see bike-friendly cities as always being that way, but now I know how it was a struggle. Meaning it's possible to get it done here! Makes me want to sort things out at city hall. Though focused on the legal side, this book also inspires me with lots of reasons...more
I'd give it 3.5 stars if that were possible.
Mapes repeats a lot of his ideas throughout the book. But I found his chapter about NYC fascinating and he mentioned Boston and neighboring cities, including Cambridge, several times. He misspelled a few things (Vasser Street instead of Vassar) but all in all, this was a good read.
I wonder if any non-cyclists would actually pick this book up. It's not quite engaging to be a must-read for everyone, so I suspect they won't--unfortunate, since drivers re...more
Mapes repeats a lot of his ideas throughout the book. But I found his chapter about NYC fascinating and he mentioned Boston and neighboring cities, including Cambridge, several times. He misspelled a few things (Vasser Street instead of Vassar) but all in all, this was a good read.
I wonder if any non-cyclists would actually pick this book up. It's not quite engaging to be a must-read for everyone, so I suspect they won't--unfortunate, since drivers re...more
Jun 13, 2012
Koleksi American Corner UGM
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
class-g-geography-anhtropology-r
Judul : Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities
Penulis/Editor : Jeff Mapes
Ringkasan : Semakin banyak masyarakat Amerika yang mengganti penggunaan kendaraan bermotor dengan bersepeda (ke sekolah, kantor, ataupun aktivitas pada umumnya). Tantangannya ada pada kenyamanan bersepeda karena sebelumnya jalan dan infrastruktur lebih ditujukan untuk kendaraan bermesin. Buku ini menjelaskan topik yang melingkupi tantangan-tantangan tersebut. Jeff Mapes, penulis buku ini, mengetengah...more
Penulis/Editor : Jeff Mapes
Ringkasan : Semakin banyak masyarakat Amerika yang mengganti penggunaan kendaraan bermotor dengan bersepeda (ke sekolah, kantor, ataupun aktivitas pada umumnya). Tantangannya ada pada kenyamanan bersepeda karena sebelumnya jalan dan infrastruktur lebih ditujukan untuk kendaraan bermesin. Buku ini menjelaskan topik yang melingkupi tantangan-tantangan tersebut. Jeff Mapes, penulis buku ini, mengetengah...more
Pedaling Revolution. Biking is becoming a revolution as cyclists and cars vie for road space. Our dependence on fossil fuels has been a contributing factor to the mess in the Middle East, air pollution and a variety of ills. Health care costs are soaring through the roof, with one of the contributing factors being the sedentary nature of Americans. Mapes, an Oregonian reporter, is trying with his marvelous book to lure you out and onto your bikes. From Amsterdam to New York to San Francisco to P...more
My standard answer for why I ride my bike to work is that it's the "best way I know how to trick myself into exercising." It's fun, it's not expensive, it's often no slower than public transportation. And for me, at the risk of sounding corny, it actually cleanses my mind. When I'm biking regularly, I'm in a better mood. It really is as simple as that.
So no, I've never really been an especially 'political' cyclist. But at the same time, I think we all have to admit that as oil becomes scarce, an...more
So no, I've never really been an especially 'political' cyclist. But at the same time, I think we all have to admit that as oil becomes scarce, an...more
I learned a lot reading this book. It kind of makes me want to move to Amsterdam, but Mapes does a great job of showing what states are doing here in order to become more bike-friendly. I feel a little more confident riding in traffic now and also enjoyed how Mapes mentions New Urbanism. We can't build any more suburban sprawl and expect people to stop driving everywhere. New developments should include mixed-income housing and small shops within walking/biking distance. I highly recommend this...more
Put some fun between my legs? ABSOLUTELY, Jeff Mapes.
Some have suggested that this book might not be so interesting/engaging to a non-cyclist, but I disagree. Part anthropological study, part health/environmental treatise, part policy study, and largely a celebration of cycling's general awesomeness, Pedaling Revolution rocked my world. It's one of those unusual books that had me squealing every few pages - I even started mapping a bike route from home to work so that I can start cycling there t...more
Some have suggested that this book might not be so interesting/engaging to a non-cyclist, but I disagree. Part anthropological study, part health/environmental treatise, part policy study, and largely a celebration of cycling's general awesomeness, Pedaling Revolution rocked my world. It's one of those unusual books that had me squealing every few pages - I even started mapping a bike route from home to work so that I can start cycling there t...more
Really interesting read on the grass roots movement of improving alternative transportation in American cities. Jeff Mapes does focus mainly on bikes (of course!), but it's noteworthy that any movement towards putting Americans on a "car diet" improves conditions for cyclists as well as pedestrians.
Jeff looks to European cities that have already cultivated an environment that supports many types of transit. He then goes in to study several American cities that have made radical progress, includ...more
Jeff looks to European cities that have already cultivated an environment that supports many types of transit. He then goes in to study several American cities that have made radical progress, includ...more
Since much of this book centers on my own home cycling Mecca of Portland, not a lot of new info for me. But I appreciate the perspectives Jeff Mapes offers on what it's like for folks who live in places like New York City and Chicago. Some typos in the book (someone should have fact-checked how Jeanette Sadik-Khan's name is spelled) but otherwise well written and conversational. Read it and envy those who avoid the traffic nightmare of daily commuting by biking.
A great introduction to cycling advocacy - a rare but effective blend of passion and balanced reporting. Mapes traces the histories of cycling movements, profiles cities that are supporting strong cycling cultures and discusses the various problems and benefits to fostering urban cycling. Thanks to this book, I'm a safer rider and more articulate advocate of my rights on the road.
Well intentioned and balanced but perhaps a polemic would have been a better call to arms and have made the book less rambling.
"A difficult moment, one man admitted, is telling a woman he's interested in that he doesn't drive a car. Sometimes, that ends things right there." Sad but true - there are value judgments made by car drivers about cyclists all the time.
"A difficult moment, one man admitted, is telling a woman he's interested in that he doesn't drive a car. Sometimes, that ends things right there." Sad but true - there are value judgments made by car drivers about cyclists all the time.
A great overview of the history of cycling in the United States. Made me feel even better about being a cyclist, though for me it has always been about the joy of riding. Bike = peak experience. Car = stress.
Overall the tone was a bit lighter than what I would prefer in nonfiction reading. It is obvious Mapes is a newspaper writer. And though Mapes does his best to remain politically neutral, it doesn't help much that some designer decided to make a big red flag more prominent than a guy on a bi...more
Overall the tone was a bit lighter than what I would prefer in nonfiction reading. It is obvious Mapes is a newspaper writer. And though Mapes does his best to remain politically neutral, it doesn't help much that some designer decided to make a big red flag more prominent than a guy on a bi...more
This is a must read for cyclists and people looking at transportation in a new light. We need to get off of our addiction to cars. It's better for the planet and for our own health. We need to take back our streets and communities for people and reduce the changes brought by decades of designing solely for drivers.
Mapes is super stoked on the future. He does live in Portland, one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, but I think he's right to be optimistic. The road ahead is long and hard (unless you've already started riding, in which case it's just plain fun), but some of the biggest cities in the US are finally on it.
Excellent book about the current state of bicycling in the U.S., with some recent history thrown in. It crystallizes a lot of the thoughts I've had about the existing and potential impact of bicycling in both Portland and in the entire nation. Read it, and you'll want to get on a bike even more!
A well-written, well-researched, passionate book about urban cyclists in America. This is the most important book I've read in a long time; it should be required reading -- not just for cyclists, but for pedestrians, drivers, and really anyone who lives in a city. I can't recommend it enough.
A good overview of the political subculture that is bicycling in the United States and a comparison with how other nations and cultures have both adopted and expanded bicycle usage, and organized a method of turning the two-wheeled vehicle into a force for our everyday life.
An interesting and very well researched look into urban planning and the growing traffic problems in America's cities, presenting a different, healthy, enlightened, and economical solution to help alleviate congestion on American roadways.
Jul 18, 2012
Jackieyo
is currently reading it
I've only covered the introduction and half of chapter 1, but this book is amazing. Coincidentally, the library processed my request for this book today, the same day as the Copenhagen bike highway on the NY Times. Revolution?
A well-researched history of bicycling as a social movement. The best thing about this book was reading several case histories of towns or cities which became bike-friendly due to the actions of just a few people (such as local government officials who insisted on creating bike lanes). Seeing how their actions eventually shaped the culture of a city is inspiring. Some passages were a bit overwritten; I would have given this book five stars if the writing had been tightened up.
Jan 21, 2013
Jewlz Wright
added it
I hope cycling is more than just a popular trend altering the feel and look of some cities for a time. It is interesting reflecting upon the differences and similarities between Australian and American cycling culture.
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Dec 06, 2009 09:23am