Richard Ballantine | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1940-07-25)25 July 1940 |
| Died | 29 May 2013(2013-05-29) (aged 72) |
| Occupation | Author |
| Alma mater | Browning School Columbia University |
| Genre | Cycling |
| Notable works | Richard's Bicycle Book |
| Spouse | Sherry Ballantine |
| Children | 3 |
Richard Ballantine (25 July 1940 – 29 May 2013)[1] was acycling writer, journalist andcycling advocate.[2] Born in America, the son ofIan andBetty Ballantine ofBallantine Books, and educated at theBrowning School in New York andColumbia University, he principally resided inLondon, England. He wrote the popularRichard's Bicycle Book (1972) and its subsequent editions.[2] He was an editor atRufus Publications (founded by his parents) and founded several magazines includingBicycle magazine.[3][4]
Ballantine'sRichard's Bicycle Book, published in 1972, appeared at a time when cycling was experiencing aresurgence in popularity, due in part to the oil shortages of theworld oil crisis and the appearance of lightweight road bicycles. The book was a cornucopia of cycling-related information. It contained an overview of thehistory 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.
TheBicycle Book introduced many new cyclists to the world of commuting andbicycle touring and was also an early example ofbicycle 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 asRichard's New Bicycle Book (1987) andRichard's 21st Century Bicycle Book (2000).
Ballantine was prominent in thehuman powered vehicle (HPV) movement from its inception in the 1980s and active in the HPV racing movement.
He was chairman of theBritish Human Power Club and of theWorld Human Powered Vehicle Association.[6]
Ballantine was married and had three children.[1]
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