Car Sick

A practical guide to a car-free life, with survival tips for biking even the most car-dependent cities

Car Sick is an engaging account of how a car-obsessed Los Angeles tech entrepreneur became an advocate for safer streets whose primary mode of transportation is his bicycle. It paints a lively picture of what it’s like to navigate LA’s sprawling metropolis on a bike—including catching a flight from LAX with kids and luggage—while giving readers the confidence they need to feel comfortable biking in urban settings themselves.

Michael Schneider explains why city streets are not safe for anyone who’s not in a car and how to stay safe on streets that weren’t designed for bikes. He walks readers through the overwhelming number of bike options and accessories, sharing recommendations based on factors like terrain, weather conditions, and whether you are biking with kids. Schneider demonstrates how the electric cargo bike can be an inexpensive alternative to the SUV for active families and shows how to use tech startup methodologies—such as branding, venture-style fundraising, and strategic marketing—to force government bureaucracies to prioritize human safety over driver convenience.

Blending personal storytelling with invaluable advice for beginner and seasoned cyclists alike, Car Sick challenges us to see that we have the collective power to break free from the car-centric status quo and return our communities to being places built for people.