How cycling can save the world

270 pages

English language

Published Dec. 22, 2017

ISBN:: 978-0-14-311177-1
OCLC Number:: 974789699
Goodreads:: 31146560

(1 review)

"Peter Walker--reporter at the Guardian and curator of its popular bike blog--shows how the future of humanity depends on the bicycle. Car culture has ensnared much of the world--and it's no wonder. Convenience and comfort (as well as some clever lobbying) have made the car the transportation method of choice for generations. But as the world evolves, the high cost of the automobile is made clearer--with its dramatic effects on pollution, the way it cuts people off from their communities, and the alarming rate at which people are injured and killed in crashes. Walker argues that the simplest way to tackle many of these problems at once is with one of humankind's most perfect inventions--the bicycle. In How Cycling Can Save the World, Walker takes readers on a tour of cities like Copenhagen and Utrecht, where everyday cycling has taken root, demonstrating cycling's proven effect on reducing smog and obesity, …

"Peter Walker--reporter at the Guardian and curator of its popular bike blog--shows how the future of humanity depends on the bicycle. Car culture has ensnared much of the world--and it's no wonder. Convenience and comfort (as well as some clever lobbying) have made the car the transportation method of choice for generations. But as the world evolves, the high cost of the automobile is made clearer--with its dramatic effects on pollution, the way it cuts people off from their communities, and the alarming rate at which people are injured and killed in crashes. Walker argues that the simplest way to tackle many of these problems at once is with one of humankind's most perfect inventions--the bicycle. In How Cycling Can Save the World, Walker takes readers on a tour of cities like Copenhagen and Utrecht, where everyday cycling has taken root, demonstrating cycling's proven effect on reducing smog and obesity, and improving quality of life and mental health. Interviews with public figures--such as Janette Sadik-Khan, who led the charge to create more pedestrian- and cyclist- friendly infrastructure in New York City--provide case studies on how it can be done, and prove that you can make a big change with just a few cycling lanes and a paradigm shift. Meticulously researched and incredibly inspiring, How Cycling Can Save the World delivers on its lofty promise and leads readers to the realization that cycling could not only save the world, but have a lasting and positive impact on their own lives"--

1 edition

Taru Luojola reviewed How cycling can save the world by Peter Walker

Review of 'How Cycling Can Save the World' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Tietokirja, jonka luin romaanin taustatyötä varten. Walker on koonnut yhteen kaikki tärkeimmät argumentit polkupyörän käytön lisäämisen puolesta niin yksilön kuin yhteiskunnan kannalta sekä eritellyt keinoja, joilla tavoitteeseen päästään ja joilla siihen ei päästä. Alaa ahkerasti seuraavalle kirjassa ei sinällään ole uutta tietoa, mutta sen vahvuutena on juuri se, että irrallisista asioista on luotu johdonmukainen ja vahvasti vakuuttava kokonaisuus.

Kirja on nähdäkseni erityisen hyödyllistä luettavaa kaikille kunnalliseen päätöksentekoon ja toteutukseen osallistuville, siis etenkin poliitikoille, viranhaltijoille ja kansalaisaktivisteille. Mutta kyllä jokaisen omasta hyvinvoinnistaan huolehtivan maallikonkin kannattaa kirja lukea. Jos tämän pläjäyksen jälkeen ei tee heti mieli lähteä pyöräilemään, kannattaa lukea toiseen kertaan.

Subjects

Pedestrian facilities design
Bicycle lanes
Cycling
Bicycle commuting
Social aspects
City planning
Health aspects