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Head Over Wheels
David Byrne on what'll make Philly a great bike city, once and for all.
Published: Jan 27, 2010
Chris Buck
CHAIN OF COMMAND: David Byrne, along with civic leaders, bicycle advocates and urban theorists, will talk bikes at the Academy of Natural Sciences on Feb. 4.
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David Byrne’s advocacy of bikes is so strong it’s nearly evangelical. At the Academy of Natural Sciences next Thursday, the former Head will be earnestly talking about how bikes can change the world, and what Philadelphia can do to become a more bike-friendly town. Byrne’s latest book, Bicycle Diaries (Viking, $25.95), is a global travelogue of his two-wheeled adventures over the past 30 years. Our lovely city didn’t make the manifesto, so Byrne took the time to chat with City Paper about his bike gear, our city’s doo-wop and assholes who run red lights.ADVERTISEMENT
City Paper: Where have you biked in Philly, and what’d you think?
David Byrne: I’ve only biked around downtown and the zoo area. It didn’t seem particularly bike-friendly to me, though I know it claims to be. I drove through the other day and heard a great radio program of exclusively Philadelphia doo-wop. Lovely to hear some radio that isn’t exactly like everywhere else!
CP: Philly is notorious for its poor relationships between bikers and drivers. Can anything mend this?
DB: Bike lanes might help. But aside from infrastructure, cyclists have to stop for red lights and go with the flow of traffic. That means you, Mr. Messenger, Mr. Food Delivery Guy, Mr. Spandex and even you, Ms. Girl in a Summer Dress. Then we cyclists will be in a position to demand respect from motorists and have our rights respected.
CP: You’ve said that your bike is your “panoramic window,” so I’d guess your rides are pretty leisurely. Ever bike on the sidewalk?
DB: Only when there are no peds around and the street is dangerous — fast traffic and no shoulder. Otherwise, it’s a bad habit, besides being illegal.
CP: Recently, Philly has experienced an increased number of accidents caused by cyclists. What’s the answer: law enforcement, more penalties, education programs?
DB: Sorry to hear that. I watched a cyclist run a red light the other day and immediately get knocked down by a car. The driver graciously stopped to help the asshole. I almost reminded the poor idiot, as he was lying on the ground, that he might think twice about running a red light next time … but it didn’t seem the right time for obnoxious scolding. I do think we are coming out of an era that prided itself on bullying and belligerence — and that trickled all the way down to cyclists. People probably need to see that there are advantages to behaving well, rather than being punished and scolded. Rewards work better than punishments.
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CP: What bike gear is crucial for riding?
DB: I’m getting used to things I didn’t used to have: chain guards! (I don’t have to worry about my pants getting dirty. I can wear normal clothes.) Fenders! (Ditto. No more skunk stripe up my back!) Lights! (I’ve had so many clip-on lights stolen, but the integrated ones seem to be holding strong.)
CP: Can you describe your go-to bicycle these days?
DB: I ride commuter bikes with limited — maybe seven — gears and old-school handlebars. If the bike doesn’t have them, I modify it. And a basket — total geeky style.
CP: Do you wear a helmet?
DB: If I’m negotiating midtown traffic, yes. If I’m riding mostly on bike lanes and carless paths along the river, no.
CP: You say you don’t ride because it’s eco-friendly, but for the fun and freedom. How, then, did you become such a bike advocate?
DB: I sensed that in recent years I had been joined by a shocking number of others: hipsters, attractive women, business people, you name it. I didn’t seem like the lone voice in the wilderness anymore if I said we could use a little more support and empathy. One kid from Williamsburg actually said he felt that now it was not cool if you didn’t ride a bike. That’s a huge change, so it seems to me I’m not doing anything surprising, just articulating what lots of others are experiencing.
Thu., Feb. 4, 6-8:30 p.m., free (wait list only), Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-299-1000, ansp.org.
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As to your other point, what exactly would cyclists "collectively coming together to curb these behaviors" look like? And could somebody please make drivers do this, too? Pleeeeeeaze?
For the record: I think that cyclists should obey traffic laws. I also believe that the current traffic laws on the books don't adequately address the issues of bikes and cars coexisting. But I think that cyclists should follow them until they are changed.
What I, personally, find problematic about DiCicco and Kenney's proposals is that they would create an instant barrier to cycling (registration, fines completely disproportionate to the same offenses in an auto) to those with lower income, students, etc, who could really benefit from a more cycling accessible infrastructure/culture. These proposals would in my mind undo all the good the bike lanes did.
As for the pledge, look, I don't see anything wrong, per-se, with this idea, though I find it to be something of a double standard: I'd really love to see someone champion the same thing for drivers, who, in the grand scale of things, behave much more recklessly (talking while texting and driving two-ton vehicles through residential areas and rolling through stop signs at alarming rates!?!). Cyclists, save for rare cases, endanger themselves by bending the rules; drivers endanger others by doing so. It's a fact that doesn't make one better than the other, but from a philosophical standpoint, I think it makes a huge difference.