JACQUES EVRARD Page 14 RAIN July/August 1984 ACCESS: Bicycling Adventure Cycling in Europe: A Practical Guide to Low-Cost Bicycle Touring in 27 Countries, by John Rakowski, 1981, 368 pp., $14.95 from: Rodale Press 33 East Minor Street Emmaus, PA 18049 Someday I will make enough money so 1 can go to Europe for my long-dreamed-of bicycle tour to study vernacular architecture. Until then, I have this book to help plan my route. This is the best bicycle touring book I've seen. The information is clear, comprehensive, and entertaining. The first half of the book contains general information: what to bring, when to go, how far to go each day, what to expect, and so forth. The rest of the book is a country-by-country survey. For each country, Rakowski provides a map and describes specific toiirs (that he or a colleague has taken); gives basic information on maps (scale, where to get them), terrain, and traffic; tells you when the best cycling seasons are and what bike rental, repair, and transportation facilities are available; introduces you to the language, people, and customs of the country; discusses costs and particulars of accommodations and food; and lists sources of further information. He writes with authority and wit. I'd rather be bicycling, but this book makes all those rainy days bearable. —TK Blatant Propaganda, by Susan Davis, 1984,16 pp., $1.25/issue from: Sacred Cow Graphics 1640 Ocean Avenue, #2N Brooklyn, NY 11230 One might aptly call this attractively designed publication a "Bikeshevik Manifesto"—a mix of rousing political, bikeshevik philosophy, with organization, book, and magazine access sections; an appropriately thematic crossword puzzle; and handsome graphics, to boot. "The bicycle is a vehicle for revolution. It can destroy the tyranny of the automobile as effectively as the printing press brought down the despots of flesh and blood. The revolution will be spontaneous, the sum of individual revolts. ... It has already begun." This passage effectively captures the tone and ideology of the feature article, "Bikesheviks: Cycling for Freedom" by Bob Silverman, an article that originally appeared in a Canadian publication called Open Road (Box 6135, Station G, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6R 465). Spouting terms such as "velorution," "auto-necessity," "cyclofrustration," and "auto-cracy," Silverman lays down the premise that the private car is the supreme economic interest before which America and much of the developed world lies prostrate. He continues, "The generalization of cars in the city means urbicide, destruction of communities, pollution, noise, intimidation, isolation, and death. The generalization of bicycles in the city means community, ecology, quiet, efficiency, and love." To overthrow this formidable "autocracy," we must view the bicycle as a means of by-passing the "official" transportation and a way for cyclists to escape the manipulations of the auto-cracy. In short, we need to realize that the bicycle can become a tool for economic and social change. Blatant Propaganda, Number 1, is a jewel. Let's hope this first issue isn't the last. It is heartening to see this sort of political approach to the bicycle issue. In light of the attention bicycle rights and access have received in Portland politics this election year (and let's hope in other cities, too), we need a coherent, fact- filled, inspiring manifesto like this, one that can help us voice our concerns as bicyclists—whether through traditional political means or through anarchy. —CB The City Cyclist, bimonthly, $15/year from: Transportation Alternatives 2121 Broadway New York, NY 10023 The City Cyclist is published by Transportation Alternatives (T. A.), one of New York's more radical cycling advocacy organizations, "dedicated to exploring alternative forms of transportation in New York City." The newsletter heralds recent accomplishments of the group and others like it in the city, and includes news on the latest proposed bike routes, threatened bike routes, bike maintenance courses, tours, and more. One of the hottest urban bicyclist concerns is protecting bike access on bridges. Last fall, due largely to T. A.'s and other bike groups' activism, bicycles were granted access to the Long Island Railroad commuter trains (albeit on a limited basis). Write to T. A. to find out what's hap- . pening in this growing movement in New York City. With your membership you'll enjoy the newsletter, an 8% discount at many bike stores, free legal advice on bike-related matters, tours, and maintenance courses, not to mention a city that's better because it's better to bike in. —CB FROM: Down to Earth—sec page 21
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