As gasoline prices reach record highs and one in three Americans is considered obese, many individuals have made a lifestyle change that trims their expenses and their waistlines. More and more city dwellers trade the automobile and bus ticket for a bicycle. From young parents in Brooklyn with their children in protective seats and baskets laden with groceries to tech workers pedaling down Los Angeles Sunset Boulevard, it is a growing trend. The Urban Cyclist s Survival Guide is the essential reference for commuters looking to take to the bike lanes. Authors James Rubin, a former professional athlete based in Los Angeles, and Scott Rowan, a cyclist who has logged more than 15,000 miles on Chicago s streets, share insights gleaned from their experiences riding the roads of two of America s largest cities. What is the best bike to purchase? Which helmet provides the best protection? What is the best route? The Urban Cyclist s Survival Guide answers all the questions posed by wannabe commuters.