As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

Happy New Year, everyone and welcome back to the podcast! It’s great to start the New Year talking to someone in a warmer climate. Welcome, Lisa Charlebois, to That’s Her Problem!

In this episode, Lisa and I explore a kind of cycling that I’m super curious about, randoneering. We go over what that means, how it creates community and how you can become a randonneur.

But the real question is: are there a lot of women randoneering? What can these Randonneur Organizations do to make it a little more friendly to women, non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ cyclists?

Listen, watch and find out.

Lisa’s Instagram accounts are here: @hustleandahalf and @hummingbirdfuels

I’ve been getting some great feedback on my book lately, and I love hearing what you’re thinking! My favorite feedback has been from people who have chosen to ride in winter and to ride their bikes to work regularly. I mean, what more could I ask for?

If you don’t have a copy of my book yet, you can pick one up now at your local bookshop, order in Canada from McNally Robinson and in the USA from Bookshop.org

If you or someone you know is interested in making cycling a bigger part of your life, but you’re not sure how to get started, please check out Shifter’s online course created by Cailynn Klingbeil and Tom Babin. Their tips and tricks cover everything from what bike you need to how to choose your route. Use this link to get started.

Sign up for my newsletter now so you can get more Patty in your inbox.

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!

In this week’s episode, I speak with activist turned city councillor, Renata Falzoni. Our conversation was long overdue. I have been a huge fan of Renata’s for many years, pretty much since the start of my cycling journey, before advocacy was even on my radar. I admire her tenacity and drive, still going strong at the age of 72, entering what she calls her 10th childhood.

We had a lot to talk about and had to leave some things on the edit room floor. And yet, here we are with a super long episode! Take your time and split it between this week and next if you must, but make sure to listen to the whole thing.

Renata talked about an Inter-Park trail that was just about to be inaugurated when we talked, and here it is for all to see!

She also went to COP30 where she was received like the celebrity she is and talked about the Amazon trail here.

Check out Renata’s YouTube channel and watch this one episode where she rides her bike in Afua, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Take me there, let me die there.

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

Today’s conversation with Tara shifts us away from bikes for a minute, but fear not, there’s still a lot of bike talk in here, because, as you know by now, I can’t shut up about bikes and bikes really are the answer to everything.

Tara Johnson shares her journey of founding Freedom Tree, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Sierra Leone and Alberta. She discusses the importance of education, community involvement, and addressing cultural practices that affect women's health. Tara also reflects on the impact of colonialism on patriarchy and women's roles in society, emphasizing the need for collaboration between men and women in health initiatives. Tara also shares how her faith and love for biking have shaped her life and advocacy.

Let me know what you think of this episode by sending me a voice memo here!

Order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!

There's a lot going on at the moment! One of the more exciting news this week is that my book is out! I have the physical copies, and if you’ve preordered, they’re on their way, but if you don’t have your copy yet, you can order from wherever you get your books, or my website at www.pattybikes.com.

This conversation with Tissa Valverde, bicycle mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, is about women cycling. There’s no other way to say it. Cycling is a beautiful act of resistance and it’s simply a beautiful act that engages body and mind. Tissa and her husband Fernando created a Social Enterprise, Bicicletaria Cultural (https://bicicletariacultural.wordpress.com/) ,where cyclists can park their bikes safely while at work or school, can have meetings, work and get their bikes worked on while they wait. They have won awards all over the world and continue to impact their community.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and keep coming back for more. You can watch Tissa’s interview with me here:

Links

Tom Babin’s online bike course: The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling

Support my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

Pre-order my book and sign up for my newsletter

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges of Activism and Family Life

03:52 Connecting Through Cycling: Personal Stories and Experiences

05:57 The Evolution of Bicycle Advocacy in Curitiba

08:16 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Activism

10:11 The Role of Community in Cycling Advocacy

13:27 The Intersection of Activism and Urban Planning

16:20 The Importance of Safety and Accessibility in Cycling

17:54 The Ongoing Fight for Cycling Rights

20:49 The Resurgence of Activism in the Face of Climate Crisis

20:57 The Role of Infrastructure in Urban Mobility

25:16 Education, Creativity, and Political Engagement

26:08 The Intersection of Art and Activism

30:10 Bicicletaria Cultural: A Hub for Cyclists and Creatives

32:24 Empowering Communities Through Cycling

34:47 The Role of Women in Cycling Culture

37:27 Bicycles as Tools for Social Change

40:40 The Evolution of a Radio Show: Saia de Bici

47:00 Building Connections Across Borders

47:07 The Symbolism of Bicycles

49:00 Embracing Vulnerability as Strength

50:37 Literature and Empowerment

52:30 Personal Stories and Life Lessons

58:14 The Patchwork of Community

01:00:11 Celebrating Restlessness and Creativity

01:02:24 Ester Wiens makes an appearance

01:04:43 Sarah’s Sparkly Minute

ZM98RY4IBPALUCVB

Keywords

#podcast #urbanplanning #transportation #womeninleadership #communitybuilding #Journalism #Advocacy #SustainableCities #BikeLife #ActiveTransport #WomenWhoRide #WomenInMedia #SafeStreets #Urbanism #PublicTransport #EmpoweredWomen #GirlsEducation #AuthorLife #MentalHealthAwareness

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

I have exciting news for you! Cailynn Klingbeil, who developed an online course with Tom Babin, the founder of Shifter, titled The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling, approached me about sponsoring my podcast. This was an easy yes for me, because I adore Cailynn and Tom, and because Tom's YouTube channel was the catalyst to help me become a full-time, year-round bike commuter. I've also met Tom in person several times, and I'm lucky to call him my friend. I've also chatted with Cailynn several times online, and hope to have her as a guest on here, one of these days.

I know the bicycle is already a huge part of your life, but chances are you know someone who is a little bike-curious and wants to know what it would take for them to jump over to the bike side.

If you send them this link right here, I make a commission on sales, which helps to pay for my costs to keep this podcast running, just like the contribution you make every month!

I met Laura on the old Twitter when I was trying to understand what it would take to become a winter cyclist, and we have been online friends since. Laura has recently started a cargo bike lending library, inspired by the transformation that a cargo bike had on her own life.

I KNOW you'll be inspired! I'd love to hear from you about your favourite takeaway from this episode. Send me a voice memo right here!

Resources:

Tom and Cailynn’s online Bike Course: The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling

Community Pedal Power (Boston)

Friend with A

Laura’s Website

Pre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

In today's conversation, I speak with Vivian Ortiz, the bicycle mayor of Boston, about her biking journey, the importance of community, and empowering more Black and Latina women to ride. Vivian shares her experiences overcoming fear, building confidence, and advocating for safer biking spaces. The discussion highlights the role of education and representation in cycling, as well as the future of urban biking.Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_bike_lady/For an earlier preview of this content, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get early access to all episodes one day early!LinksSupport my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcastPre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=tSign up for my newsletter at www.pattybikes.com Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vivian Ortiz and Her Journey04:37 The Bicycle Finds You: Vivian's Story07:55 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence10:52 The Aggressive Driving Culture and Its Impact11:37 Teaching Safety and Awareness in Biking12:24 Becoming 'That Bike Lady' and Community Engagement14:13 Promoting Women's Biking and Community Rides17:40 The Role of Infrastructure in Biking20:11 The Importance of Education and Awareness23:02 Encouraging Alternative Transportation Choices26:26 Understanding Cyclist Perspectives27:57 Finding Your Seat at the Table30:05 Advocacy and Community Engagement32:54 Building Bridges in Transportation34:26 Overcoming Challenges and Personal GrowthZM98RY4IBPALUCVB

In today’s episode, I talk with Yasmina Ahl Maris, bicycle mayor of Marrakech. I met Yasmina through BYCS, the Bicycle Mayor Network, and I became extremely interested in how she transitioned from riding her bike to school to bikepacking alone along the Atlas Mountains at the age of 22.

Yasmina discusses the challenges she faced, as well as the community that supported her from the beginning to the end. She made new friends on the road and had the most unexpected encounters. Her journey of advocacy is one of empowerment, of helping women believe in themselves and take a chance on adventure.

For an earlier preview of all episodes, go to https://www.pattybikes.com/podcast and support me on my Patreon page. Patreon supporters get access to all episodes one day early!

Links

Yasmina’s Documentary

Yasmina’s Instagram

Support my podcast, watch old episodes and send me a voice memo at www.pattybikes.com/podcast

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

Pre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter

In today’s episode, we explore the politics of advocacy. Caro just wanted to ride her bike to work, but after being hit twice, she decided to get a GoPro and record her rides. Using her video editing skills, Caro turned her footage into the beginning of a movement.

Watch the full episode for tips on how to advocate for safe streets, and even if you don’t think you have what it takes, you’ll see how to use whatever skills you have to make your city safer.

Caro Vilain on Instagram

As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to my Patreon page and add to cart!

Pre-order my book in Canada from McNally Robinson

and in the USA from Bookshop.org

Sign up for my newsletter