book request

I know some of my readers are _waaaaayyyyy_ better at research than I am, and sometimes I toss out a little, I wish I had a book like X, and boom, someone recommends the _perfect_ thing for me.

Here it is:

I want a book about bicycling, specifically aimed at extremely novice (as in, may never have successfully ridden a bicycle ever) bicycle users who would like to be able to use their bicycle to run errands, transport themselves and children, in all kinds of weather. It should include some information about learning to ride (and teaching children to ride), a large chunks of the book should be devoted to the following categories: utility cycling, cargo bikes, children's bicycle seats, tandems (for children and/or adults), how to find information about bicycle lanes, bicycle advocacy, commuting by bicycle, tax and other incentives for individuals and corporations to encourage bicycling, cycling in conjunction with the use of public transit, folding bicycles, adult tricycles (including cargo tricycles), and short sections on other human powered vehicles that are traditionally thought of as toys but can be used as transportation (human powered scooters, skateboards, heelys, inline skates...).

The idea would be: hey, you _were_ using it (or know someone who uses it) as a toy/for recreation, and it dawned on you that that would be much better than walking/pushing the stroller/pulling the grocery cart. But you're having some difficulties and need some help.

I think this book does not exist. I think this book doesn't even exist spread out in pieces over other books. I suspect that there isn't even a good solid website aimed at this.

Please prove me wrong.

it's a scary world. . .

when the cops can break into your house, demand that you show them ID, arrest you after you do and then try to demand an apology from you for having any issues with that process.

Weird which side the right-wingers are coming down on this one.

ETA: A friend on facebook pointed me to the Smoking Gun's facsimile of the police report (which blotted out the house number, a little strange, since you can pick it out of 411 -- Gates is listed). To correct my above summary, the police did not break in. And the arrest was a disorderly, for attracting the attention of about seven people on the street. I am even more mystified, altho marginally less concerned about the breaking-into-house-and-demanding-ID part. But only marginally.

And if someone feels like explaining to me why Gates has deed/mortgage/whatever on Francis, but lives on Ware using information that is publicly available only (if you know this because you personally know Gates please do not violate his privacy for my curiosity), I am sort of interested.

or not so scary

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8167454.stm

UK Royal College of Nursing has dropped its official opposition to assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.

Wow. It's like another little outbreak of sanity out in the big bad world.