Page 10 - Allison's Magazine Issue #97
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transportation—can be something important component in sustaining
really special.” the biking culture in New Orleans and
making people feel comfortable. “It’s
Tockman wanted Dashing to be a truly really a space that, no matter who you
distinctive boutique bike shop that are, you can come and feel appreciated,”
could serve the community’s needs, as says Tockman. “To me, that’s a big
well as be a gathering place of education, success. It’s been really fun to see the
advocacy, and togetherness. To service way that New Orleans has embraced a
the community more effectively, new store like this, and at a time when,
Dashing moved to its current home on post-Katrina, anything was possible but
North Broad Street, a central meeting nothing seemed to be going right.”
point for many of New Orleans’s
neighborhoods. In addition to empowering the
community, Dashing has a mission to
It was one of the first small businesses empower women cyclists in particular—
to reopen on North Broad after the those who may not have a place to feel
destruction of Hurricane Katrina, comfortable, safe, and appreciated—
which has given Tockman a sense especially in an industry dominated
of responsibility to the community by men. The shop offers free monthly
the laid-back lifestyle of the southern members who rely on her. workshops on basic bike maintenance
city. The outdoor living, sense of and safety, as well as group rides for
community, and diversity among the This central location allows Dashing to women cyclists of all skill levels.
neighborhoods proved to be the exact service customers from all walks of life.
type of environment she was looking to Tockman explains that, on any given Since Tockman opened Dashing six
call home, and she made a permanent day, the store will likely welcome tourists years ago, she says that she has seen
move in 2010. just visiting the city, older residents who great success in bringing women
live nearby, and folks on their way to cyclists together through the shop, but
She continued advocating for better and from work—it caters to people of all it hasn’t necessarily been easy. “When
bike safety in New Orleans while backgrounds with a variety of needs. more women are out riding and being
juggling her film career. However, in visible, it makes the streets seem more
2013 she decided to switch gears to a EMPOWERING, AFFORDABLE, FUN approachable and makes more women
full-time career in the cycling industry. One of the most important aspects of feel empowered to do it,” she says.
Tockman opened Dashing—a pop- the business for Tockman is keeping “But sometimes you feel like you’re
up neighborhood cycle shop—that Dashing’s services affordable. The ahead of the curve, and sometimes
same year to serve what she describes shop handles everything from small finding supportive women is the biggest
as a gap in the market for everyday repairs and adjustments, which often challenge. I see biking as a safe activity
cyclists. “I wanted to expose people run between five and ten dollars, to and a health benefit, so my biggest
to the self-appreciation that can come tire changes and custom installations goal is just to try and share those witnessing the growth of cycling and the fabric of why biking is so great. You
when you choose to bike,” she says. of rims, spokes, and hubs—the most concepts with people and help them how that fits into the collective interests can walk into an inviting store that’s
“The gratification you get from using expensive service, which costs about feel more confident.” of residents has been particularly got your back and welcomes you. To
your own body—what’s called active seventy dollars. It also carries a large exciting for her and the business. our customers, it’s about being a part of
selection of reasonably priced bikes and Tockman notes that seeing the biking this lively culture and being seen—and
accessories from top brands like Bianchi, community in the city come together “I don’t think owning your own business they’re doing it on the seat of a bicycle.
PUBLIC, and All-City Cycles. and expand over the last few years has is for everyone,” she says. “You put your It’s a great time to live in New Orleans.”
been a beautiful thing to watch. The neck on the line and set yourself up for For more info visit www.dashingnola.com
Helping the city’s cyclists keep their culture in New Orleans is already so multiple challenges. But I think that
bikes in order for a modest rate is an lively and community-oriented, so Dashing is really becoming a part of
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