Two Wheels Good

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The bicycle, a remnant of the Victorian era, remains a vital part of our modern world, where it is still the most popular form of transportation globally. In this exploration, writer and critic Jody Rosen reshapes our understanding of this iconic machine, which has influenced humanity for over two centuries. Through a blend of history, reportage, travelogue, and memoir, Rosen traces the bicycle's journey from its 1817 invention to its current status as a symbol of sustainability amid challenges like climate change and pandemics. Readers encounter remarkable figures, including feminist pioneers from the 1890s, a prospector who biked to the Klondike gold rush, a Bhutanese king racing in the Himalayas, a cycle rickshaw driver in a bustling megacity, and astronauts riding a floating bike in zero gravity. The narrative delves into the bicycle's historical significance and its future, challenging existing myths while revealing its ties to colonialism and urban gentrification. Ultimately, this work serves as a love letter to the joys of cycling, celebrating the profound connection between rider and machine, and highlighting the bicycle as a remarkable engineering achievement.