Our response to ATE’s Women and Girls Safety programme
Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at Cycling UK, said:
“Across the country, fears around personal safety leave women restricted in terms of their everyday travel choices. That’s why we launched our ‘My ride. Our right’ campaign – to address the gender gap in cycling. It’s unacceptable that 59% of women say their cycle journeys are limited by safety concerns, with women making half as many trips by bike as men.
“After sustained campaigning from Cycling UK that led to a recent debate on the issue of women’s safety in Parliament, it’s fantastic to see this announcement from the UK Government and Active Travel England. But if we want women to have real freedom to travel, it’s important that the guidance issued covers cycling as well as walking. Separated cycling paths, better lit cycle routes and accessible, well-lit bike parking can drastically improve women’s confidence.
“Women deserve the same freedom to move as men, and we’ll keep pushing for action – because when we make cycling safer for women, we make it safer for everyone.”