a broad look at a broad and intangible problem - why can't all American cities grasp multi-modo streets, and what's the history behind our stubbornness? longhurst explores the relationships between industry, social class, racism, policy, popular opinion, and the trusty bicycle. how did America go from the beginnings of expansive bike networks and bikes as utilitarian transport in the early 20th century to "bikes are toys" myth? what does that have to do with wwii and racist/fear-based trade policy? how did vehicular cycling stagnate progress in many cities (cough, Pittsburgh)? and finally, longhurst argues that sharing streets will prepare us for an ever-dynamic and uncertain future where gas taxes fail to fund auto-only infrastructure.

if I had written this book I would have included more extensive research on what works and has worked in Portland and Davis. this book left me with a somewhat hopeless feeling, especially currently stuck in a very car-centric urban neighborhood longing for those glorious greenways and sidewalk networks (we're getting there! I hope). but I still think anyone who ever uses a road or sidewalk for any purpose needs to read this book. ( )