Thousands take part in nationwide mass cycle calling for safer cycle routes for women

Thousands of people from communities in cities and towns around the UK have come together this week (22 October), to highlight the need for safer cycling and walking routes that consider the experiences of women.

The country’s leading cycling charity, Cycling UK has co-ordinated more than 60 glow rides as a part of its women’s safety campaign ‘My ride. Our right’ – calling for safer cycling infrastructure for women and greater investment in infrastructure to address the gender divide.

Despite Storm Benjamin, almost 3,000 riders lit up roads from Plymouth to Perth with bike lights, glow sticks and reflective gear to shine a light – literally – on the barriers women continue to face. While participation in cycling has increased in recent years, it’s not been equal. Progress has too often left women behind, as research from Cycling UK reveals.

New figures from YouGov, commissioned by the charity, found that nearly half of women (48%) are put off cycling by threatening behaviour from drivers. And when it comes to cycling at night, the barriers are even more stark. Over half of women (56%) say their local transport journeys are limited because of concerns about walking alone after dark or because the roads don’t feel safe enough to cycle on. Harassment, intimidation and poorly lit routes all contribute to a sense that cycling – particularly in the evening – is simply not a safe or viable option.

Kitty Cresswell Riol, a glow rider from Norwich, said:
“This is an important issue because everyone should be able to travel freely and feel safe doing so. Too many people – particularly women – are put off cycling by fear of traffic, poor lighting or harassment. When we make streets safer for women, we make them safer, fairer and more welcoming for everyone.

“Improving safety for cyclists means more than adding painted lanes – it’s about designing streets that feel welcoming and secure for everyone. Protected cycle lanes, better lighting and well-designed junctions make a huge difference, especially for women riding after dark. Lower traffic speeds, connected routes, and visible cycle parking all help create an environment where cycling feels safe, practical and inclusive.”

The glow rides brought women of all ages together, highlighting the barriers they still face while celebrating the strength and unity of communities coming together for safer walking and cycling routes for all.

While areas such as London and Cambridge, or more broadly across Wales, have seen improvements – especially around speeding and driver behaviour – the picture remains patchy. In most parts of the UK, safety concerns continue to dominate women's decisions around cycling. Despite growing enthusiasm for active travel, many women still feel shut out from the freedom that cycling can bring.

Sarah Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cycling UK, said:
“Too many women are telling us the same thing: they want to cycle, but they don’t feel safe. When nearly half of women say threatening behaviour from drivers puts them off cycling, and three-quarters say personal safety limits how they travel – that’s a clear indication, things need to change.

“Lighting, visibility and physical protection from traffic is critical when it comes to enabling more people to cycle. But these issues are not just about infrastructure – they’re about equality, access and freedom of movement. That’s why so many people have joined our glow rides. It’s time our streets reflected that.”

Cycling UK is calling for long-term investment in cycling and walking, and for cycling networks designed and delivered to reflect the journeys women actually need to take. That means not just building commuter corridors for city workers, but developing routes that serve school runs, shopping trips, healthcare visits and other everyday journeys – particularly within local neighbourhoods.

The charity has said, this could easily be done if governments in all four nations invest 10% in cycling and walking from their transport budget, and if routes and networks are designed with the experiences of women in mind.