Richard Ballantine (25 July 1940 – 29 May 2013)[1] was a cycling writer, journalist and cycling advocate.[2] Born in America, the son of Ian and Betty Ballantine of Ballantine Books, and educated at the Browning School in New York and Columbia University, he principally resided in London, England. He wrote the popular Richard's Bicycle Book (1972) and its subsequent editions.[2] He was an editor at Rufus Publications (founded by his parents) and founded several magazines including Bicycle magazine.[3][4]
Richard Ballantine | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 July 1940 Kingston, New York, United States |
| Died | 29 May 2013 (aged 72) London, England, United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Author |
| Alma mater | Browning School Columbia University |
| Genre | Cycling |
| Notable works | Richard's Bicycle Book |
| Spouse | Sherry Ballantine |
| Children | 3 |
Richard's Bicycle Book
editBallantine's Richard's Bicycle Book, published in 1972, appeared at a time when cycling was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, in part to the oil shortages of the world oil crisis and the appearance of lightweight road bicycles. The book was a cornucopia of cycling-related information. It contained an overview of the history of the bicycle, explanations of different bicycle designs and types, various bicycle accessories, guides to basic bicycle maintenance and fitting, and was heavily laced with the author's own views and humor.
The Bicycle Book introduced many new cyclists to the world of commuting and bicycle touring and was also an early example of bicycle advocacy. In a section on road cycling, commuting, and etiquette, Ballantine firmly stated his view that cyclists, as lawful road users, had an absolute right to share existing roads, and that the safe travel of all users should take precedence in designing new streets and thoroughfares.
The book was dedicated to convicted bomber "Samuel Joseph Melville, hero".[5]
Over the years, Richard's Bicycle Book has been through several incarnations such as Richard's New Bicycle Book (1987) and Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book (2000).
Human powered vehicle movement
editBallantine was prominent in the human powered vehicle (HPV) movement from its inception in the 1980s and active in the HPV racing movement.
He was chairman of the British Human Power Club and of the World Human Powered Vehicle Association.[6]
Personal
editBallantine was married and had three children.[1]
Bibliography
edit- City Cycling (2007)
- Living Ultimate Bicycle Book, DK Living, with Richard Grant (2000)
- Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book (2000)
- Ultimate Bicycle Book, with Richard Grant (1998)
- Bicycle Repair Manual (1994)
- Cyclist's Britain (1989)
- Richard's New Bicycle Book (1987)
- Richard's Bicycle Book (1972)
References
edit- ^ a b "Richard Ballantine". Telegraph. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
- ^ a b "Interview: Richard Ballantine". bikebiz.com. Retrieved 2 April 2009.
- ^ Grant, Richard (7 June 2013). "Richard Ballantine obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Richard Ballantine (Obituary)". The Daily Telegraph. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ Oldenziel, Ruth; Trischler, Helmuth (2015). Cycling and Recycling: Histories of Sustainable Practices. Berghahn. p. 46.
- ^ "Chairman". British Human Power Club website. The British Human Power Club. Retrieved 1 February 2013.