Cyclist's Manifesto: The Case For Riding On Two Wheels Instead Of Four (Falcon Guide)

The Cyclist's Manifesto is the second Robert Hurst book I've read, which should tell you that I like what he has to say enough to continue to buy his books. That, combined with the fact that I've been an avid cyclist my entire life will reveal my bias towards bicycles as a mode of transportation. A bias that Mr. Hurst most definitely shares. In general I'm against continuing to read things that support what you already believe (what's the point?). It tends to lead to narrow-mindedness and intolerance of foreign ideas. But I do recommend reading this book even if you already toe the party line. He has a way of articulating ideas that really resonates and invigorates. I found it inspirational enough that I've re-dedicated myself as a soldier in the revolution. I learned some new things along the way, but in general it performed the role of a great pep talk, which is exactly what I was looking for. However many copies of this book get sold my bet is that almost to the reader he is preaching to the choir. This is a shame because I think this book has a lot to offer the bicycle-curious. Some of his rants seem to play a little fast and loose with the facts (while staying true in a general sense). Additionally his hard-line stance (even for a cyclist) may be repelling to some, but in the end his message is truly liberating. The book begins with the history where cars and bicycles converge (if you didn't already know this, these histories are very much intertwined), continues on with the mess that we've created through political and personal cowardice, and ends with a bang that would likely convert even the hardened, gas guzzling SUV pilot. Admittedly he provides no easy answers. He even claims that someone who doesn't own a car or even take the bus is still beholden to petroleum, like it or not. I'm left with the impression that if everyone went to bicycles tomorrow it would be an improvement, but still wouldn't solve the energy problem. Anyone reading this book who converts to a bicycle way of life is unlikely to change the world, but will, however, change their own world. Dramatically. And that, comrades, is where this book truly shines.

Great read for everyone from the casual, to the commuter with no car. History lesson in a smart, fun delivery. Informative even for those of us who still drive vehicles.

I am a cyclist and a cycling advocate and I did not enjoy reading this book. First of all, it is not a manifesto. It is more like a collection of stories, mostly histories, some so completely off topic that I was wondering if I grabbed the wrong book by mistake. The stories are so disconnected that the whole thing reads more like a blog. And it is a rant. It is more about the problem of oil running out than about cycling. In addition, the author obviously has a problem with so many other cyclists, especially with what they wear, that at the end this book did not at all feel inspiring to get on a bike. For me, this book didn't make the case for riding on two wheels instead of four.

This was a fascinating book, but it wasn't what I expected. The book does a good job of reviewing the history of the bicycle and the automobile, and how decisions in the 20th Century led the U.S. to focus on the car instead of the bike. The history lesson is well-done and any cyclist would enjoy it. As an argument for more cycling infrastructure, though, it gets weighed down by this lengthy look back. It's a very good book--as a cyclist and a historian I couldn't stop reading it--but if you are looking for something to give to a local opinion leader to influence public spending I'd look elsewhere. Despite the cover blurb, it's not the Silent Spring of bicycling. Still, I'd rate it as one of the best books on bicycling I've read.

I enjoyed reading The Cyclist's Manifesto, and while there's a lot of interesting information about the history of the bicycle and a lot of encouragement about getting on the bike, I found the book veered a little too much into advocacy of dangerous and illegal riding styles for my taste. Mr. Hurst is an ex-bike messenger and he brings a lot of bike messenger practice to his philosophy of bicycle riding, advocating a style of cycling that is 'adaptive'. What that seems to mean is 'legal only as long as I feel it needs to be'. I get the feeling that Hurst sees a red light as being relevant to him only as long as it suits his temperament - if he feels that he'd be better-off if he ignored it, then the red light becomes a mere suggestion. This attitude is part of the reason cyclists have a bad name here in the US. I find that 'Street Smarts: Bicycling's Traffic Survival Guide' by John S. Allen, 'Cyclecraft: The Complete Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling for Adults and Children' by John Franklin, and 'Effective Cycling' by John Forester are much more useful books, all of which feature a cycling manifesto that has stood the test of time.

Hurst provides an excellent overview of bike advocacy from a very realistic and honest perspective. This book isn't like Pedaling Revolution, where you're patted on the back over and over for riding. While I don't always agree with the author, he supports his positions well and they're clearly well though out.

This book lays it out pretty plainly. A well argued case against our autocentric civilization with sane suggestions for salvation. I fear, given the depth of our dependence on the automobile, that our civilization cannot adapt. Even a shift in automobile power sourcing doesn't save us from the sad evolution of a civilization that can't actually move itself without a special power source. The cost of our inactivity is everywhere evidenced. Rave and ride on, cyclists!

Great read