Pedaling Revolution

Last week in the NY Times Book Review, David Byrne reviewed a new book about the resurgence of bicycling and how it is changing American cities. Pedaling Revolution, by Jeff Mapes, sounds like an engaging read and has taken top position on my to-read list.

I most appreciated Byrne's comments, as he is a dedicated NYC bike commuter of 30 years. Using his keen pop culture sensibilities, Byrne posits that bicycling's macho extreme sport image impairs its ability to gain popularity as a legitimate form of transportation.

He welcomes how bike manufacturers have finally begun introducing commuter-friendly designs "for the rest of us." He toasts the way that Mapes re-frames the tired language of bicycle commuting into the more results-oriented active transportation. In the minds of the non-bicycling public, the latter suggests fitness and practicality: the former, kooks and outliers.
Byrne suggests that popular attitudes about bicycling will really improve when it becomes more woman-friendly.

I can ride till my legs are sore and it won't make riding any cooler, but when attractive women are seen sitting upright going about their city business on bikes day and night, the crowds will surely follow.

And he cites a few promising examples involving well-known actresses and models.

Tabloid fodder does not a revolution make, but it's a start.

Viva the revolution!