Bicycling and the Law: Your Rights as a Cyclist [Paperback]

Bob Mionske (Author), Lance Armstrong (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2007

According to statistics compiled by the League of American Bicyclists, more than 57 million Americans rode a bicycle in 2005. Of these, more than 9 million describe themselves as "active cyclists" — weekend riders, off-road riders, commuters, and amateur and professional athletes. These 9 million face the daily hazards of commuting in traffic, overenthusiastic dogs, faulty roads, harassment, road rage, and bicycle theft. This book was written for them. Bicycling and the Law is designed to be the primary resource for cyclists faced with a legal question. It provides readers with information that can help them avoid many legal problems in the first place, and informs them of their rights, their responsibilities, and what steps to take if they do encounter a legal problem. This useful guide makes the law both entertaining and comprehensible, presenting an accurate and thorough explanation of the laws governing bicycles and the activity of bicycling.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Now cyclists everywhere can use Bicycling & the Law as a resource for protecting their own right to the road.--Lance Armstrong

This book should be read, digested, and practiced by cyclists and motorists alike. It should be a part of driver education and bicycle safety programs. Bicycling & the Law has one further, rare quality: it is eminently--and delightfully--readable.--Rep. James L. Oberstar (MN), Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Cycling can be a tough job, whether you're riding to work or training for a race. Bob Mionske sets the record straight on cyclists' rights. If you love to ride, you should know what's in this book.--George Hincapie, Discovery Channel Cycling Team

Bob Mionske's superb Bicycling & the Law has filled a critical gap on our bookshelf, synthesizing essential information on the legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists into a coherent, comprehensive, and engaging volume. Anyone who rides a bicycle in the United States, whether commuter, roadie, tourist, messenger, or joy rider, should have a copy of this book at hand. It works beautifully as both a reference and a very readable narrative--pick it up anytime for fascinating tales of bicycle code and culture, and zoom in on the specifics and particulars as you need them.--Andy Thornley, Program Director, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Knowing the rules is a key to safe bicycling. Bob Mionske sheds light on our complex legal system and arms bicyclists with the knowledge to make smart decisions to protect their rights.--Dan Grunig
Executive Director, Bicycle Colorado

Big gains require real effort, and Bob Mionske has done the heavy lifting for all cyclists. Bicycling & the Law is a huge step forward for our rights on the road. In fact, everyone who rides should have a copy of this book.--Chris Carmichael, Carmichael Training Systems

Bob Mionske's book should be a must read for all cyclists to educate and inform them on their rights and responsibilities. We all hope that accidents won't happen to us, but common sense, common courtesy, and safe riding procedures are things we should all understand and follow. Cyclists should never leave the house without a rain jacket, a frame pump, a spare tire, and basic knowledge of this book.--Bobby Julich, Olympic medalist, Team CSC cycling team

Bicycling & the Law will promote cycling as a fun and affordable means of transportation and help create healthier, more livable cities. Mionske sets a positive example for both cyclists and drivers on how to share the road.-- Dorcas Adkins, Director of Education Programs, Washington Area Bicyclist Association

What an exciting book to read for all cyclists. The information here will only enhance your riding as you will be aware of your rights as a legal road user. It is a must read.--Bill Lazenby, Co-President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Anyone who has ever spent much time riding on the road knows how vulnerable it can feel to be a cyclist sharing the roads with cars, SUV's and trucks. This book is a fantastic resource to arm cyclists with basic information that will both educate and empower them.--Brad Tucker, ColoBikeLaw.com

A comprehensive and up-to-date guide to virtually all aspects of the legal system as they affect bicycling. Although directed at cyclists, this volume is also an important reference for law enforcement officers, attorneys, and judges.--Bicycle Transportation Institute

Everyone from the serious cyclist to the person thinking about dusting off the long-neglected bike in the garage will benefit from reading this book. Cycling instructors, avid riders, beginning cyclists, bike messengers, parents concerned about the perceived dangers of cycling for their children, those who are charged with providing suitable accommodations for cyclists, those charged with protecting the rights of cyclists, should at least scan Mionske's book.--Bob Chauncey, PhD, National Center for Bicycling & Walking

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: VeloPress (June 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931382999
• ISBN-13: 978-1931382991
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Law > Specialties > Sports

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read and very informative! October 4, 2007

By DJS PDX

Format:Paperback

Bob Mionske has written a book that any serious cyclist should read or at least have as a reference. This book shares Bob's practical cycling experience with his specialized legal expertise. Know your two wheel rights - buy this book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource November 4, 2007

By Colin C. Mckenna

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The best resource (that I know of) on bicycle laws and their history.
It will answer just about any questions you might have -- like what can you do when the left turn signal isn't triggered by your bike, etc.
Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Especially helpful book explaining your cycling rights. June 19, 2008

By Hound of the BookServile

Format:Paperback

I was hesitant at first but did eventually purchase this book. I wished I had this book a couple decades ago. Very informative about the abuse and bias towards cyclists, and also very helpful concerning the cyclists rights when on the receiving end of the abuse and bias. If you commute by bike or just ride for pleasure, this book contains some helpful insights should things go wrong, or even how to explain the effect of the annoyances so many cyclists have learned to tolerate. This book explains you do not need to tolerate many things accepted as normal when out cycling. I found some information explained in the book that is especially helpful when harrased by a potential road rage motorist that yells "get off the road", or simply being cut off by someone passing you too closely. Readers may find some of the history of the laws a bit much, but some of that dry history really helps explain the legal issues. A worthwhile read, especially since more and more people will hit the streets with pedal power as fuel prices increase. If I experience what I have in the past while cycling, this book will have paid for itself during the first minor incidence. I will be very glad I purchased this book the day it is necessary to put this information to use.