Advisor Angela Azzolino Suggests Alternative Methods Instead of Implementing Bike Lanes
Revamped Article:
From the corporate jungle, to a bicycle mechanic, to the driving force behind 'Get Women Cycling', Angela Azzolino has navigated New York's bustling streets on two wheels like a seasoned pro. Catching up with her, we dive into the tangled mop of helmet hair, the gender cycling gap, and her bold stance on bike lanes.
Angela’s Journey: Pursuing Comfort and Change
Having stepped out of the corporate hamster wheel, Angela found solace and inspiration after a family tragedy. Her poignant realization: life's fragility and the importance of nurturing connections in a supportive community. The humble bicycle has always been her sanctuary, offering acceptance and growth.
Dabbling as a bike mechanic, Angela noticed an undeniable issue—the cycling world is predominantly male-dominated. When women entered the shop, their discomfort was palpable. Misaligned conversations and uneasy body language often left them empty-handed.
Determined to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, Angela founded 'Get Women Cycling' in 2015. This global initiative focuses on increasing female ridership by educating, offering customized bike advice, advocating for service reform, and leading awareness campaigns.
Conquering the Gender Cycling Gap: Embracing the Sweaty Mess
Asked about the gender cycling divide, Angela points to the fear of traffic injury as the leading factor. Though trauma doesn't discriminate, men tend to take risks where women usually hold back, growing from a patriarchal society and societal norms that make women question the potential risks to their families should they get hurt.
Secondly, Angela puts low self-esteem at the root of the issue, with women doubting if they have the physique or bike know-how to join the fray. These insecurities create a barrier for female cycling, made worse by products tailored for women being in high demand and selling out quickly.
To bridge the gap, Angela believes empowerment through skills transfer and experience sharing is the key. Through initiatives like '#ShowMeHelmetHair', Angela encourages women to share their post-ride hairdo photos, celebrating this all-too-common cycling symptom and demonstrating that looking like a sweaty mess isn’t something to be ashamed of. 'Get Women Cycling' has also launched a Zoom series called 'Ask a Wrench', inviting riders to learn from female mechanics in a supportive environment that empowers them to feel confident on their bikes.
Interestingly, Angela is surprisingly skeptical of separated bike lanes and the idea of segregation as a solution to cyclist safety concerns.
bicycle lanes: Separation Isn't Healthy
"While the idea of protected bike lanes sounds ideal on paper, the reality can be a different story," Angela explains. As the increase in bikes, skateboards, scooters, e-bikes, and cargo bikes puts pressure on these restricted spaces, squeezing everything into a four-foot lane can actually make things more dangerous instead of safer.
This is amplified by the neglect of these lanes, with wet leaves, potholes, debris, and hazardous road conditions creating obstacles that are difficult to navigate within a limited space. Additionally, these cycle tracks must be seamless to truly provide protection—otherwise, riders still have to contend with potential danger from traffic.
Moreover, Angela argues that separate isn't equal when it comes to cyclists and drivers. By isolating bicycles from the main road, there's a risk that the bicycle will be underappreciated and treated as secondary to cars. This goes against Angela's belief that shared roadspace is essential to recognizing cycling as a legitimate and equal form of transportation.
Armed with these convictions, Angela has branched out into becoming a certified NYC driving instructor to help bridge the gap between cyclists and drivers, making the roads safer for everyone.
Bridging the Divide: Connecting with Drivers
"I'm a person, not just a cyclist," Angela emphasizes during her teaching sessions with New York's Point and Insurance Reduction Program. "It's all about language—people need to break free from that driver v. cyclist mentality."
Empathetic dialogue and unexpected maneuvers are crucial lessons Angela advocates. Drivers should expect the unexpected, leave ample space when passing cyclists, and employ the Dutch reach to promote awareness and avoid dangerous interactions.
With a 90% positive feedback rating, drivers have shown a willingness to learn—even if they still feel wary of cyclists on the road. It's a start, but until cycling safety becomes a formal part of the U.S. driving curriculum, Angela's teachings remain voluntary and a grassroots effort in changing drivers' attitudes towards cyclists.
Angela's Advice: Follow Your Passion, Adapt, and Persevere
For those looking to create change in their own cities, Angela delivers straightforward advice: "Embrace your passion, identify the gaps that need to be addressed, listen to diverse perspectives, and exercise patience."
Her mission to make New York City streets more bike-friendly continues—an ongoing journey that reflects the grit, determination, and pioneering spirit embodied by Angela Azzolino.
- In her pursuit of comfort and change, Angela Azzolino founded 'Get Women Cycling', an initiative aimed at increasing female ridership in the cycling world and addressing the gender cycling gap.
- Angela Azzolino believes that to bridge the gender cycling divide, empowerment through skills transfer and experience sharing is crucial. Her initiatives like '#ShowMeHelmetHair' encourage women to share their post-ride hairdo photos, celebrating the shared experience of looking like a sweaty mess.
- Angela Azzolino is surprisingly skeptical of separated bike lanes as a solution to cyclist safety concerns. She argues that separate isn't equal when it comes to cyclists and drivers, and advocates for shared roadspace to recognize cycling as a legitimate and equal form of transportation.
- In addition to her work with 'Get Women Cycling', Angela Azzolino has also become a certified NYC driving instructor to help bridge the gap between cyclists and drivers, promoting empathetic dialogue and awareness to make the roads safer for everyone.
