Ballantine's Richard's Bicycle Book, first published in 1972, fortuitously appeared at a time when cycling was experiencing a resurgence in popularity due in part to the oil shortages of the world oil crisis and the appearance of lightweight road bicycles. The book was a cornucopia of cycling-related information; it not only contained an overview of the history of the bicycle, explanations of differing bicycle designs and types and various bicycle accessories, guides to basic bicycle maintenance and fitting among others, but was heavily laced with the author's own views and humour to boot. It became exceedingly popular.

The Bicycle Book also introduced many new cyclists to the world of commuting and bicycle touring and was also an early example of bicycle advocacy. In a section on roadway cycling, commuting, and etiquette, Ballantine firmly stated his view that cyclists, as lawful road users, had an absolute right to share existing motorways, and that the safe travel of all users should take precedence in designing new streets and thoroughfares.

Over the years, Richard's Bicycle Book has been through several incarnations such as Richard's New Bicycle Book (1987) and most recently Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book (2000).

Ballantine has been prominent in the human powered vehicle movement since its inception in the 1980s and active in the HPV racing movement.

He is currently chairman of the British Human Power Club and of the World Human Powered Vehicle Association.