On Bicycles: A 200-Year History of Cycling in New York City

Bicycles have a long history in New York City, reflecting the city's changing social, economic, infrastructural, and cultural politics. Evan Friss' book "On Bicycles" traces the colorful and fraught history of cycling in the city, from its first appearance in 1819 to the present day.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 20 July 2021
\n Publisher: Columbia University Press
\n

The bicycle has a rich and storied history in New York City, with a claim to the streets spanning over two centuries. While subways and yellow taxis may be iconic symbols of transportation, the bicycle has always been a contentious presence on the city's streets. 1819 marked the year of the city's first bicycle, and it was also the year that saw the introduction of the first bicycle ban. The debates surrounding bicycles have persisted for decades, not only due to their diverse uses but also because of the evolving perceptions of cyclists.

In his book "On Bicycles," Evan Friss delves into the colorful and complex history of cycling in New York City. He explores the bicycle's place in the city over time, revealing how it has reflected the city's changing social, economic, infrastructural, and cultural politics. From its early days when horse-drawn carriages coexisted with bicycle lanes in the 1890s to its marginalization during Robert Moses' car-centric vision and its brief but controversial ban in 1987, the bicycle has played a pivotal role in shaping the city.

"On Bicycles" sheds light on how the city as we know it today, with its extensive network of bicycle lanes, is a reflection of a journey that has been driven and contested by the people of New York City and their political decisions. The book offers a comprehensive account of the bicycle's evolution, its various uses, and the controversies that have surrounded it. It also provides a deeper understanding of the role that bicycles play in urban transportation, recreation, and sustainability.

Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Evan Friss has created a valuable contribution to the literature on urban history and transportation. "On Bicycles" is a must-read for anyone interested in the city's past, present, and future, as well as for anyone who enjoys cycling or advocates for sustainable urban development.

\n Weight: 396g\n
Dimension: 151 x 226 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780231182577\n \n