This half-hour documentary looks at bike culture and bike lifestyles around the world with beautiful and inspiring scenes of bike use filmed in China, The Netherlands, Denmark, and the U.S.

In the 1890's, before automobiles ruled the roads, bicyclists were referred to as "Scorchers" because of their blazing speed. A century later, in a world filled with car-related environmental and social problems, Return of the Scorcher discovers an inspired and evolving bicycling renaissance.

This documentary touches on a surprising variety of subjects including romance, rebellion, early feminism, and spirituality - all viewed within the context of bicycling.

Return of the Scorcher questions our obsession with "progress" and status and presents a diverse cross-section of cycling visionaries who see the bicycle as a life-affirming vehicle for change.

Featured interviewees include: Marcia Lowe, Michael Replogle, Iain Boal, Ellen Fletcher, George Bliss and others.

Photos Unknown Source

Return of the Scorcher features the scene which led to the adoption of the name "Critical Mass" for the rides which now occur around the world and also served as inspiration for Ted White's other documentary We aren't blocking traffic, We Are Traffic!. In this scene, bicycle designer George Bliss coins the term "Critical Mass" in describing the flow of bicycle traffic with cars in China.

Suggested University/Classroom use: Environmental and Sustainability Courses, Urban Design and Planning, Cultural Geography, American Studies, Social History of Transportation, Technological Change.

Both Return of the Scorcher and We Are Traffic!
now come bundled together on one DVD.

The DVD also includes bonus material. Plays in all regions