"[W]hether you're left or right leaning, urban or suburban, rich or poor, bikes are simply one of the most accessible and efficient forms of urban mobility."

That statement, for me, encapsulates the value of traveling by bicycle. It comes from a chapter titled "Advocacy and the future of cycling" in Yvonne Bambrick's book, The Urban Cycling Survival Guide.

This book more-than lives up to its promise of "need-to-know skills and strategies." It covers everything from selecting a bike, basic maintenance, common setbacks to cycling, as well as how to ride and coexist among pedestrians, other cyclists, and motorists.

As a rider, I believe it's especially important to amplify statements like this:

Bicycling amenities are not just a perk for some small minority; by providing a clearly-marked space to safely ride, they enhance safety and predictability for all users of a roadway.

The addition of cycling amenities to roadways is the "single most important factor" for a growth among cycling ridership, and investment in bike lanes is considerably cheaper than adding more roads for cars.

Bambrick cites a statistic by April Economides, president of Green Octopus Consulting: As of 2008 in Portland, Oregon, a 300-mile bike network cost "the same amount as one mile of freeway."

Bicyclists have an opportunity to shift the status-quo in transportation policy and planning, which for decades has been driven by car advocates and lobbyists.

Ultimately, then, Bambrick's book is not just about how to ride safely in the city; by necessity, it's about how to ensure that streets are ready for you, when you are ready to start riding. I checked it out from the library, but I'd consider adding this book to my personal collection.

Thanks to ECW and Goodreads for a free copy of this book!

The Urban Cycling Survival Guide is a fantastic resource for anyone who's interested in biking in the city. Covering everything from purchasing a bike to the rules of the road and basic repairs, this book provides a lot of information and conveys it in a way that's fresh and conversational.

On a personal note, I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years; this book caught my eye because I've been thinking of starting up again. And it was a great choice -- informational, enthusiastic, and encouraging. ( )