Richard Ballantine

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 is most famous for his 1972 Richard's Bicycle Book and its subsequent editions.[2] He was also an editor at Rufus Publications (founded by his parents) and founded several magazines including Bicycle magazine.[3][4]

Not to be confused with Richard Ballantyne.
Richard Ballantine
Born(1940-07-25)25 July 1940
Kingston, New York, United States
Died29 May 2013(2013-05-29) (aged 72)
London, England, United Kingdom
OccupationAuthor
Alma materBrowning School
Columbia University
GenreCycling
Notable worksRichard's Bicycle Book
SpouseSherry Ballantine
Children3

Richard's Bicycle Book

Ballantine's Richard's Bicycle Book, first published in 1972, appeared at a time when cycling was experiencing a resurgence in popularity due 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 not only contained an overview of the history of the bicycle, explanations of differing bicycle designs and types and various bicycle accessories, guides to basic bicycle maintenance and fitting among others, but was heavily laced with the author's own views and humour to boot.

The Bicycle Book also 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 "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).

Ballantine and the HPV movement

Ballantine was prominent in the human powered vehicle 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

He was married and had three children.[1]

Bibliography
  • 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
  1. "Richard Ballantine". Telegraph. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-02.
  2. "INTERVIEW: Richard Ballantine". bikebiz.com. Retrieved 2009-04-02.
  3. Grant, Richard (7 June 2013). "Richard Ballantine obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  4. "Richard Ballantine (Obituary)". The Daily Telegraph. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  5. Oldenziel, Ruth; Trischler, Helmuth (2015). Cycling and Recycling: Histories of Sustainable Practices. Berghahn. p. 46.
  6. "Chairman". British Human Power Club website. The British Human Power Club. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
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