Louise the librarian writes to inform us that "Bicycle Diaries" by David Byrne is available at the Fresno County Public library. Get in line now... Louise is 6th on the list to check it out. Here is a review from another mailing list, in case you haven't heard about this book yet:
I picked up a copy of "Bicycle Diaries" for 30% off at Powell's across
the street from the Bagdad event, before the ride and sat up until 4
am reading it. It's a good read with many synapse leaping segues and
practical tips. It brings to mind Daniel Behrman's 1973 classic "the
Man Who Loved Bicycles" and books by Lewis Mumford. It's also a
physically attractive book to look at and to hold.
Among Mr Byrne's many interesting observations and speculations are
that in many cities such as Buenos Aires where one would expect to see
people cycling, he was virtually the only one. I wondered about that
when I was there last year. He predicts that this will change as
cycling becomes more hip & fashionable (and the absurdity of car
culture becomes more widely accepted). I saw more bikes in other
Argentine cities such as Mendoza, so I think that the tide is already
turning. I rented a (pretty funky) bike in Montevideo, Uruguay's much
smaller and laid back capital. Most of the cyclists I saw were on the
waterfront trail, but I preferred riding through the neighborhoods on
the shaded low traffic streets. I was impressed that he cycled in
Istanbul which is one city (along with Prague & Lisbon) where I parked
my bike at my pension and walked (too many steps, cobble stones and
street car tracks).
I had a great time riding my daughter's 3-speed around in Brooklyn, NY
last week and was impressed to see all the new bike paths there as
well as in Manhattan. I also saw several of David Byrne's cool bike
racks.
His book inspires me to bring my dad's Dahon folding bike next time I
go anywhere (unless I bring my touring bike).
Roger
the street from the Bagdad event, before the ride and sat up until 4
am reading it. It's a good read with many synapse leaping segues and
practical tips. It brings to mind Daniel Behrman's 1973 classic "the
Man Who Loved Bicycles" and books by Lewis Mumford. It's also a
physically attractive book to look at and to hold.
Among Mr Byrne's many interesting observations and speculations are
that in many cities such as Buenos Aires where one would expect to see
people cycling, he was virtually the only one. I wondered about that
when I was there last year. He predicts that this will change as
cycling becomes more hip & fashionable (and the absurdity of car
culture becomes more widely accepted). I saw more bikes in other
Argentine cities such as Mendoza, so I think that the tide is already
turning. I rented a (pretty funky) bike in Montevideo, Uruguay's much
smaller and laid back capital. Most of the cyclists I saw were on the
waterfront trail, but I preferred riding through the neighborhoods on
the shaded low traffic streets. I was impressed that he cycled in
Istanbul which is one city (along with Prague & Lisbon) where I parked
my bike at my pension and walked (too many steps, cobble stones and
street car tracks).
I had a great time riding my daughter's 3-speed around in Brooklyn, NY
last week and was impressed to see all the new bike paths there as
well as in Manhattan. I also saw several of David Byrne's cool bike
racks.
His book inspires me to bring my dad's Dahon folding bike next time I
go anywhere (unless I bring my touring bike).
Roger
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