Bikequity: Money, Class, & Bicycling

by Elly Blue (Editor)

Bicycling has the radical potential of equalizing our transportation system, creating more equitable opportunities from the personal to the societal, and being a vehicle for protest and social justice. But that isn't how it always works. The contributors to this volume of Taking the Lane zine tackle the potentials and realities and unintended consequences of trying to create a better world using human-powered transportation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been sitting on this book for months, but Women Bike Book Club (run by the Oakland Public Library and Bike East Bay) is responsible for getting me to actually set aside time for this.

My 10 year old read this before me. She really liked it.

I have already read Bicycle/Race, so I knew Dr. Adonia E. Lugo's story about CycLAvia. The other stories were all new to me. Most (all?) were by people at some point used a bike because it was economically advantageous for them. My daughter lectured me about the annual cost of cars after reading this and also showed me the map of pedestrian and bicycling fatalities in Brooklyn.

There is a brownie recipe at the end. Review for that is pending.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have these things called Book Darts: thin pieces of metal that you can slip over a page, like a paperclip, to mark a line of text. So you don't get the wrong idea, let me add that book darts are thinner than paperclips and taper to a point on one side so they can be aimed at a line of text. Mine were a gift. I don't use them very often. Before I was a quarter of the way into this slim volume, I stopped to find my tin of book darts so I could keep track of various interesting passages that I thought I might want to revisit-- or quote to others to sound smart. If you are interested in intersectional bike advocacy, this book is essential. It will entertain you, refresh your spirit, inspire creativity, and make you feel connected to others who share your passion. My only dilemma is whether I should buy another copy to pass around to friends; I certainly don't want to risk losing mine!

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, true stories that tell the tale of diverse cyclists and their journeys on two wheels. The overall picture of fighting for social, economic, and racial justice through transportation drives a deep passion in myself, and I'm definitely going to be following this zine more closely.

[Keisha Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small collection of essays about class division in relation to biking- how rich neighbourhoods get safe lot bike lanes while poor immigrant ones can't get crosswalks near a highway. Freedom biking can bring. That there are many types of people who bike, not just middle class white dudes.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little zine, seems more relevant than ever.

[Rainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in years. Highly recommended.

[Angie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of essays about the intersection between equity, social justice, and biking. I should probably plan to read everything published by microcosm pub

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt challenged and encouraged by this collection of essays. I especially loved the last one outlining ways to be a better ally and advocate.