‘Vanbikes’ Chronicler Colin Stein tracks the history of Vancouver’s Bicycle Revolution

In this very special podcast, author Colin Stein unveils an epic portrait of our place and time: Vanbikes: Vancouver’s Bicycle People and the Fight for Transportation Change, 1986-2011 (An Oral History). In conversation with Gordon and a room full of fans, he relates how the bicycle people transformed Vancouver, and how Vancouver transformed Colin Stein.

Related as a series of discussions and anecdotes and packed with photos and memorabilia, Vanbikes tells of culture change from the inside out. It’s a page-turning tale of activism, both within and beyond the bureaucracy, including endless bike-lane battles, naked riders, B.C:Clettes dancers, cycling dinosaurs, City Hall smackdowns, and eventually, the mayor of Vancouver himself fronting the Critical Mass and committing to make Vancouver the #1 cycling city in North America (which, according to some lists, it now is). From grass-roots to sweeping policy change: how we got here, and where we’re going.

This podcast includes much laughter, clinking glassware, and some heckling – and concludes with a lively Q&A featuring folks who were featured in the book.

To see Colin’s gorgeous portraits and profiles of Vancouver’s bike heroes, and/or to order a copy of the book for yourself or a beloved bikeshevik, go to vanbikes.ca

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Music for the VWPT Podcast is by Romina Jones, from her lp Elevation. Hear more from Romina at:  soundcloud.com/andabeat

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