If you don't know who Elly Blue is- how are we friends? Just kidding. You should get to know this Portland based writer, publisher, and social curator. Since 2006 she has been writing about cycling as a transportation module, and she has been published in such kick-ass feminist publications like Grist, Bitch, and Momentum Magazines. Working with the Portland Society, she co-founded PDX-By Bike, which is a bike-centric business promotion initiative.
So back her kick-starter, and buy one of the amazing books from her online store Taking the Lane while you're at it.
On international woman's day, it's good to remember the connection the early 20th century's woman's movement had to bicycles. They got us out of the corset, provided mobility and independence, and were a symbol of freedom and modernity. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by National Geographic. I haven't read this book myself yet, but I want to, especially with the author Sue Macy giving rad answers like this:
Q: Why are bikes still important to women? A: I
think that Leah Missbach Day does a great job in the foreword to Wheels
of Change of explaining how bicycles are still important to one
population of women--those in developing countries who are able to
increase their mobility astronomically with the bicycles they received
through World Bicycle Relief. But today in the U.S., bicycles are
important to everybody. They allow people to do errands without using
fossil fuels, to get great cardiovascular exercise, to see their
surroundings in a whole new way. My neighborhood isn’t great for
cycling--too much traffic and too many hills--but I try to ride at least
once a week in the spring, summer, and fall, usually stopping at a
nearby farmers' market to restock on fruits and vegetables. It’s a
healthy way to live.
Here are three rad rad female and bike related videos for your eyeball and ear pleasure.
This week at the National Bike Summit, Veronica Davis, the founder of Black Women Bike, gave this inspiring talk about her background, community and passion. I took away many tid-bits of insight and wisdom on unconventional engagement and breaking down barriers, along with being inspired by her incredible work ethic and dedication.
Next up- Ladies Army 5. This year it's in Vancouver- sorry, EastVan. If you can get your gears to Vancouver, do so. It's beautiful, laid back, and beautiful. But watch out, the beauty is going to cost you. Rent, food and alcohol are more expensive in Beautiful British Columbia. Some say BC stands for bring cash. So plan ahead ladies.
Last, but not least, the incredible Jenna Marbles on "Why Girls Hate Each Other." Don't think it belongs in with this other list of awesome I just put above? Let's be real here girls. Jokes like this don't take over the internet for no reason. We got to address some things. In throwing off the shackles of oppression, it's good to throw out the BS that came along with it, like comparing, competing and judging each other. When we do that "...we can just be b*tches together... you know, vaginas unite!"
Think about it. If you disagree, the comment box bellow is a safe space to say so.
Amy Walker used to be my boss at Momentum, although she hated me calling her that. Amy left Momentum and has been pouring all her amazing creative talents into her recently published book, On A Bicycle, which is amazing and I wanted you to know about it.
