The War on Cars21 Sep 2021

The E-Bike Radicalization of Jessica Valenti

Jessica Valenti, the noted feminist writer, was curious about e-bikes. So, as one does, she posted a question about them to Twitter. Thus began her path to radicalization. After buying an e-bike of her own, she quickly found how life-changing it was — a not uncommon feeling among the converted. A lifelong New Yorkers, Jessica found that riding an e-bike changed her perspective on the city and offered her new insight on being a woman in public space. In this spirited and far-reaching conversation, Jessica talks about e-bikes as vehicles of feminist empowerment, means of escaping harassment and good plain fun. Plus, we dig into history and discuss the similarities between the "resting bitch face" of today and the "bicycle face" of the late 1800s.

***This episode was sponsored in part by our friends at Cleverhood. For 20% off of stylish, functional rain gear designed specifically for walking and cycling, enter coupon code BANCARS at checkout now through November 1st.***

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SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about Jessica Valenti. (JessicaValenti.com)

Thanks to riding an e-bike, Jessica Valenti's road rage "has ascended." (Twitter)

"Bicycle face": a 19th-century health problem made up to scare women away from biking. (Vox)

Check out the work of Bekka Wright, the artist also known as "Bikeyface. (Bikeface)

Episode 7: Nice Legs, Dude (The War on Cars)

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This episode was edited by Ali Lemer and engineered by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Our logo is by Dani Finkel of Crucial D.

Email us: thewaroncars@gmail.com

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