My ride. Our right
We believe cycling should feel liberating, not intimidating. But sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.
Woman make half as many trips by bike as men, and are more likely to be put off cycling by a fear of busy traffic.
Women shouldn’t feel forced to choose between a busy road and a dark isolated path. There should be a route that feels safe and welcoming.
This isn’t just about transport - it’s about equality, opportunity and giving more people the freedom to ride.
Because when we make cycling safer for women, we make it safer for everyone.
I’ve never really felt a huge amount of misogyny off my bike, but I felt an enormous aggression while I’ve been on my bike. I think it’s shocking and quite weird. I think a lot of my friends, my female friends, don’t cycle. They don’t want to be shouted at or judged as mothers to have their kids onboard on the road.
The problem
- Many women are missing out on the freedom that cycling can bring
- 9 in 10 women are afraid of cycling in towns and cities
- The gender gap around perceptions of safety has grown, and women are being left behind
- 58% of women still think their cycle journeys are limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure
What needs to change?
- We need better networks of direct routes separated from traffic
- We need to listen to women's voices around the planning and design of routes, to make sure they work for them
- We need better promotion of the new Highway Code, to foster more respect on our roads
- Small things can make a big difference to women's perceptions of safety - like improving lighting, reducing speed limits, and making sure bike parking is in a good visible location
What can I do?
We’re growing a movement of people who believe we should all have equal access to the benefits of cycling.
That women should not only be safe, but feel safe too.
Join our call for safer streets and routes designed with women’s needs in mind.
