Street Smarts: Bike Lanes Are White Lanes

Transportation affects so many aspects of our lives. Join us as we delve deeper into the important transportation issues so that we can be better advocates for equitable transportation!

About the Book

The number of bicyclists is increasing in the United States, especially among the working class and people of color. In contrast to the demographics of bicyclists in the United States, advocacy for bicycling has focused mainly on the interests of white upwardly mobile bicyclists, leading to neighborhood conflicts and accusations of racist planning.

In Bike Lanes Are White Lanes, scholar Melody L. Hoffmann argues that the bicycle has varied cultural meaning as a “rolling signifier.” That is, the bicycle’s meaning changes in different spaces, with different people, and in different cultures. The rolling signification of the bicycle contributes to building community, influences gentrifying urban planning, and upholds systemic race and class barriers.

In this study of three prominent U.S. cities—Milwaukee, Portland, and Minneapolis—Hoffmann examines how the burgeoning popularity of urban bicycling is trailed by systemic issues of racism, classism, and displacement. From a pro-cycling perspective, Bike Lanes Are White Lanes highlights many problematic aspects of urban bicycling culture and its advocacy as well as positive examples of people trying earnestly to bring their community together through bicycling.

Discussion Questions

This book is almost 10 years old. What changes have we seen in the local bike advocacy landscape since this book was written? What hasn’t changed?

How does this change how we advocate for bicycle infrastructure?

Where to Find the Book

The eBook is available through the Twin Cities Metro eLibrary and some locations of the Hennepin County Library. You can also purchase through Bookshop.org and select your favorite local bookstore. If you’re having trouble, we have a few copies we are happy to loan. Contact info@ourstreetsmn.org.