Essential Cycling Books for Christmas Day Reading and Beyond
During the course of cycle365project, I have collected several lovely books on cycling, 4 of which I have showcased here, with words by the publishers, and a little paraphrasing from me.
This coffee table book from Cyclist Magazine includes 32 of the many road-riding routes from around Europe featured in the magazine over the last 5 years. Each ride is stunningly illustrated with images from some of the best photographers in the UK. The Rides also serves as a valuable resource when planning the next cycling holiday, or it can simply offer some moments of escapism during the dark months of a British winter. Destinations in The Rides include classic climbs such as Alpe dâHuez, the Stelvio, Monte Grappa and the Col dâIzoard. There are famous riding locations such as Mallorca, Roubaix and the Dolomites, as well as hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by the cycling hordes. All of the rides can be downloaded as GPX files from the Ride With GPS Website.
The Brooks Compendium of Cycling Culture
In celebration of Brooks 150th Anniversary in 2016, Brooks produced a unique book to mark the occasion. This book is a collection of fascinating views on the bicycle and its cultural influence, featuring contributions from Guy Andrews, Ron Arad, Bella Bathurst, Matt Brammeier, Will Butler-Adams, Antony Cairns, Taz Darling, Geoff Dyer, Timothy Everest, Joe W. Hall, Caren Hartley, Frank Herholdt, Guy Kesteven, Joe MacLaren, George Marshall, David Millar, Simon Mottram, Martin Parr, Laura Quick, Amy Sherlock, Sir Paul Smith, Tom Southam, Mark Sutton, Bernard Thompson, Jack Thurston, Richard Wentworth, and Ben Wilson. A book on cycle culture produced with cycle style.
Velotopia by Dr Stephen Fleming
Across the world, cities are encouraging cycling to make their centres liveable again. Could cycling actually become a key organising principle for future urban growth and the design of new buildings? What would cities designed for cycling look like and feel like? What is needed to make the perfect cycling city? In Velotopia: The Production of Cyclespace in Our Minds and Our Cities, architectural theorist and historian Steven Fleming, a leading international figure in bicycle urbanism and author of the bestselling Cycle Space(2013), argues that the best-connected cities in the future will be those that put cycling before walking and public transport. According to Fleming, cities organised around cycling will be greener and healthier, and also fairer and more accessible than todayâs cities; more productive, comfortable, social and fun. Dr Fleming dares readers to think big, to radically reimagine cities and city life around movement on two wheels. The first bike-centric model of urban planning and building design, Velotopia is a book for designers, planners, students, advocates and the general reader, all those shaping cities and the built environment who imagine a future for the cycling city.
Bike Nation - How Cycling Can Save The World by Peter Walker
A revolution on the roads is approaching. Is it time for drivers to Give Way? Guardian news correspondent, Peter Walker, embarks on a journey around the world, exploring the varying attitudes to cycling on our highways. He visits the shining examples of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, where cycling culture is an intrinsic part of the approach of politicians and officials. How have these cities made provision for cyclists and what are the extraordinary benefits? And then take to the less welcoming roads of Britain, USA and Australia, where cycling can still be a terrifying experience. What are the tragic mistakes being made when planning and developing cities, and how do these mistakes lead to aggression towards the cycling community? Millions are frustrated by the motor mentality and fighting for rights to ride. This brilliant, shocking investigation will prepare you with all you need to know to confidently claim your place on the road. It should be compulsory reading for all town planners, architects, politicians and councillors.