Start Making Sense

Check out where you can pick up Bicycle Diaries at: http://www.davidbyrne.com/art/books/bicycle_diaries/

You may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile, unless you’re David Byrne. I recently discovered lead man from the Talking Heads new book, Bicycle Diaries. For anyone who didn’t hear their parents blasting Talking Heads well into the mid 90’s, you may want to stop reading, and start downloading some albums before continuing with this post.

David Byrne’s quirky sense of humor and brilliant consideration for visual presentation never ceases to amaze an audience, but it’s what he does on two wheels that may be his “simplest” endeavor. His new book explores his perspective of the world through the lens of his bicycle rides. Byrne’s a diehard; he rides the mean streets of the Big Apple, and when out of town, focuses much of energy exploring cities. On one journey, he parallels parts of Detroit to post war Europe, emphasizes the crumbling infrastructure of a misguided culture. He reminds readers how beautiful a slowed down world can be, and how depressingly noticeable dilapidation becomes when not speeding by at 65 mph.

Byrne offers alternatives to a motor powered world, but remains sensitive to regional solutions. The book does not solely harp on political motivations, but rather an artistic interpretation of various landscapes and cultures. More, and funkier bike racks play out in Byrne’s mind, while seeing new possibilities for roadways and bike lanes. His love affair with the bicycle has shown him a world he may have missed in a limo or tour bus. Bicycle Diaries contributes serious dialogue to bicycle advocates. So you may ask yourself where does that highway lead to, but for David Byrne the journey overshadows the destination.