That'll Never Work Here by Emma Durand-Wood

That'll Never Work Here by Emma Durand-Wood

 FINALIST - Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, 2026

After 32 years of living in the sprawling winter city of Winnipeg and, like most Winnipeggers, relying on her personal vehicle to get around, Brazillian-Canadian Patty Wiens took a fateful bike ride one winter day. After that experience, Patty embraced cycling year-round, uncovering a wealth of unexpected benefits. Inspired by these experiences, she becomes a passionate advocate for safer streets and more transportation options for everyone. And before she knew it, she was named her city's first Bicycle Mayor.

Patty dreams of using active transportation as a tool to make Winnipeg a more equitable and safer city for all. With her global experience and open mind, she challenges the idea that what works elsewhere in the world could never work here. So jump on the bicyclewagon- she could use your help!

That'll Never Work Here is part of The City Project, a series edited by Emma and Michel Durand-Wood.

Patty Wiens brings her inspiring story to the page with as much life and zest as she does in person. It's impossible to read her improbable journey of finding her passion for cycling and her voice for change without getting drawn into her vortex of positive energy and hope. After reading this book you may wind up thinking, "Hey, maybe I can do this too." -- Tom Babin, author of Frostbike and founder of the YouTube channel, Shifter