A BIG DAY FOR BIKE

Various riders use a bike-sharing program to pedal around Seattle.

On Bike’s first morning on the job as a Beep Beep Bicycle, she worries that no one will want to ride her or that she’ll struggle going uphill. A friendly older bicycle offers words of encouragement. After Jenkins briefly explains how Beep Beep Bicycles work (riders pay via app, use a bike, then leave it on another rack), Bike’s very first rider hops on and—“Zoom!”—off they go. When they arrive, the rider thanks Bike and heads to a shift at the bakery. After two more riders, it begins to rain and business slows, but once the weather clears, more riders team up with Bike to get around the city. Just as she feared, Bike does indeed struggle to make it up a big hill, but all in all, it’s a great first day of riding! Jenkins and Karas’ collaboration is a strikingly original narrative concept book about bike-sharing programs. The riders are diverse in skin tone and occupation, driving home that this service is truly for everyone. The anthropomorphic character design adds a dash of friendliness and kid appeal to these otherwise industrial bicycles. Karas’ appropriately muted art showcases many familiar Seattle landmarks. Despite the specificity of the setting, the concepts will easily translate to any city with a bike-sharing program—especially if they involve any hills. Tips for safe biking are appended.

A pedal-powered primer that will surely inspire riders old and new.