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!Join us as we chat with Ali Stewart, Toronto’s Bicycle Mayor and founder of Femme & Friends, a cycling group empowering women, trans, and femme riders to reclaim the streets with joy and confidence! 🌈✨In this episode, Ali shares:✅ Her journey from casual commuter to fierce cycling advocate✅ How Femme & Friends is breaking barriers with fun, inclusive rides✅ The fight against Ontario’s bike lane removals—and why safe streets matter for everyone✅ Tips for making biking more welcoming (hint: bubbles, costumes, and zero judgment!)🔗 Connect with Femme & Friends:Website: femmesandfriends.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmesandfriendsbike/📚 Ali’s Book Recs:Street Fight by Janette Sadik-Khan (for urban changemakers)The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (a feminist historical fiction must-read!)🚲 Join the Movement!Whether you’re bike-curious or a seasoned rider, Ali’s story proves: cycling isn’t just about getting around—it’s about community, freedom, and fighting for change. 👇 Subscribe for more stories of women reshaping cities—one pedal stroke at a time! #BikeMayor #FemmeAndFriends #SafeStreetsLinksSupport my podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcastCBC video update on Bike Lanes: https://youtu.be/kG7vTySB6VQ?si=ZFWH2yYheVgnToP4Femmes and Friends website: https://femmesandfriends.ca/Femmes and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmesandfriendsbike/ Ali’s website: https://alisonstewart.ca/ Pre-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 The Journey to Becoming Toronto's Bicycle Mayor05:11 Advocacy and the Birth of Femme & Friends11:46 Building Community Through Cycling18:25 The Impact of Bike Share on Urban Cycling24:01 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Cycling Advocacy29:02 The Intersection of Transportation and Social Equity30:46 Supporting International Workers and Equity in Transportation31:49 The Impact of Government Policies on Cycling37:44 The Role of Leadership in Urban Cycling Advocacy45:25 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities52:04 Empowering Women in Cycling AdvocacyZM98RY4IBPALUCVB
