Pedal Power

by J. Harry Wray

This book examines the surging national interest in bike-friendly public policies and argues that this growth is likely to escalate. Currents in U.S. culture that have supported the dominance of the car are edging toward exhaustion. At the same time, other factors including congestion, contentious and unreliable energy resources, rising pollution, and global warming support the expansion of the bike's use. A surprising array of political organizations, visionary politicians, and colorful individuals powers this movement.

Genres: Nonfiction

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2008

Reviews

[Michael]

Gin and I were interviewed and are profiled in a chapter of this book, I think around the theme of biking families. Also, many of our friends from Chicago Critical Mass and other grass roots biking initiatives are featured as well.

We're eagerly anticipating the arrival of the book-- hoping that it can help spread the seeds of the velorution and that we don't sound like idiots.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

How bicycle riders learned to use political power for improvements in the transportation system to make it more bike-friendly. Making it easier to use bikes for commuting, short errands, and recreation has spinoff benefits for fitness and social interaction. More significantly, though, removing a number of vehicles from the road will have positive effects on the entire transportation system, our economy, and our environment. I highly recommend this book for any cyclist, avid or "wanna be."

[Katherine]

Wow, I'm surprised I hadn't been looking to see if anyone had written a book like this yet. I heard about it on Chicago Public Radio's "848" (local author)...I need to find this one ASAP.

[Isaac Lord · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really nice social history mixed in with tedious Philosophy 101 pedantry. A fun read, though. Gets me all ready to ride my NEW (to me) BIKE! Once I get a helmet.

[Will Slade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent. Not a lot of new info for people who already know a lot about bikes.