Today we’re featuring Natalie Feliciano, Hubway Shop Manager, as part of our #WomenWhoBike series during Women’s Bike Month. Read more about how Natalie keeps the Hubway fleet in tip top condition and out on the roads.
As Shop Manager, Natalie is responsible for making sure the 1800 bikes in Hubway's fleet are safe to ride. She works with a team of mechanics to do monthly safety checks to each bike, manage the flow of repairs, and update bikes with new parts as needed. Below, Natalie shares a little about her time at Hubway, how she learned to fix bikes, and some advice to new riders.
How long have you been on the Hubway team?
I have worked for Hubway for a little over 2 years now.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do!
I've been a bike mechanic for over 10 years now and before working at Hubway, I was a lead bike mechanic in NYC at CitiBike for about 2 1/2 years. At Hubway, I am the Head Bike Mechanic and I'm in charge of keeping the bicycle fleet up and running. I have a team of mechanics that I work with to ensure our bikes are safe and working properly.
What does a normal day look like for you?
A normal day at work for me is a combination of repairing bikes and going over bikes that have been repaired before they return back to the field. A normal day outside of the shop pretty much consists of me trying to keep my puppy out of trouble, while trying to play video games.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Repairing bikes, I've always been interested in taking things apart and putting them back together, the more messed up a bike is, the more I enjoy fixing it up.
What do you like the most about working at Hubway?
I like working with all the different types of people, I've been fortunate to get to work alongside of a pretty awesome crew.
What are your favorite places to ride in the Boston area?
I live in Beverly and the only time I ride a bike in Boston is staff outings or test riding a bike, sadly.
What advice would you have for girls and women who are new to riding?
Have fun and be safe! Be aware of your surroundings, it's easy to get distracted, so just be in confident in your abilities and don't push yourself until you're ready!
Learn more about Women's Bike Month at thehubway.com/womenwhobike