One challenge with writing a book on cycling, is finding something new to say. There really isn’t much mileage in writing a new guide to cycling in a straight line, wear a helmet and don’t forget to pump up your tyres. When I buy a new book on cycling, I’m always looking for a new angle, new perspectives on cycling.
In this respect, the Bicycle Book by Bella Bathurst does well. There is everything from (rather disturbing) interviews with London taxicab drivers, to an Indian racing cyclists who races against trains, to some homespun wisdom from greats like Graeme Obree.
Given recent comments of Addison Lee boss, the chapter on London cyclists and the interviews with a set of taxi drivers is quite timely and revealing of the state of taxi / cyclists relationships.
A short extract of interviews with tax drivers
BB: Do you think all cyclists are the same?
Keith: Yeah you can generalise with cyclists
Les: You do meet the odd one with lights on and the yellow stuff all over and the backpacks and everything, and they generally stick to the rules. But, the ones who are riding around with next to nothing on, just a bit of Lycra, zooming about delivering stuff, they will take the mickey, no doubt about it.
BB: If every cyclists suddenly stopped at red lights, would you respecting them?
Les: Well, I don’t know
Keith: Get ‘em off the roads. Cycle lanes, whatever, just get ‘em off the roads
Les: License them.
Mickey: Round em all up and nuke em (general hilarity)
….
Keith: There you go, then. Sorry about that. Tell you what, though, we hate bus drivers more. Bendy buses. Oh we really dislike them So you’re not top of the list. And motorbikes. They’re third.
The interviews with taxi drivers may sound divisive, but the book is generally sympathetic, avoiding confrontation and strong opinions, allowing the diverse range of characters to speak from themselves. It is an easy and entertaining read. If this book was a cyclist it would be a quiet and modest Italian road cyclist riding with ’souplesse’ – grace, harmony and flow. It will leave you inspired at the potential and diverse nature of cycling. The book is also a nice change from the PR and predictability you can find in cycling magazines.
As well as taxi drivers, there’s plenty of cycling enthusiasts. I like the advice of Partick Field (who runs London School of Cycling). He suggests the best advice is to be assertive and take up your space on the road, rather than trying to hide away and getting hit by car doors or inattentive drivers who don’t see you. He also says the best way to dress on a bike is to show your individuality.
If I’m driving my truck and I come up behind you and go ‘That’s interesting, why a basket on the back, oh yes, leather boots, that’s an interesting idea” …’you’re safe because I’m thinking about you.
- I guess, one way of thinking about safety.
There’s plenty of other interesting stuff on bicycles – from their role in war time to pioneers of cycling and the woman who watercycled across the Channel.
An enjoyable read. Worth checking out.
- The BIcycle Book – Bella Bathurst
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