February 5th 2025.
Cycling should be a liberating experience, but for many women, it is often fraught with challenges. Recently, women have come forward to share the obstacles they face while cycling, including gendered abuse and feeling unsafe on certain routes after dark.
It's disheartening to see that the joy of riding is being taken away from women. Many feel compelled to avoid popular cycling spots like London's canals, underpasses, and parks as soon as the sun sets. In fact, two cyclists spoke out about their experiences with road violence in the capital, just days before the London Cycling Campaign Women's network planned a protest ride in the dark.
One retired nurse recounted a terrifying encounter with a van driver who nearly crashed into her. After she calmly asked him to be more careful, he responded with a barrage of expletives, calling her an "old cow" and telling her to get out of his way. Another cyclist shared a similar story of being verbally attacked while riding her bike, being told to "f*** off and suck your mother." It's a sad reality that women are facing such hostility on the roads.
This issue is further highlighted by a recent report from the London Cycling Campaign, which found that almost a quarter of TfL's 219-mile Cycleway network is considered "socially unsafe" after dark. These are areas where there is a risk of harm from other people, and unfortunately, women are disproportionately affected. The report also identified specific factors that contribute to the unsafety of these routes, such as being near railways, industrial areas, or underpasses.
In their assessment, the LCC volunteers found that 58% of the Cycleways had at least one segment that was considered "socially unsafe." Shockingly, the 10 worst routes are deemed unsafe for 70% or more of their length, while seven were labeled as "100% socially unsafe." This includes popular routes like the Grand Union Canal Cycleway and the Greenway.
The majority of these unsafe sections are located in or next to parks, with other factors such as waterways, railways, industrial estates, and underpasses also contributing to the danger. It's clear that these routes, while perhaps suitable for leisure cycling during the summer, are not inclusive enough to be classified as part of London's core, strategic cycling network.
The London Cycling Campaign is urging TfL, councils, and the police to take action to make these routes safer for all cyclists. This could include installing more CCTV and lighting in underpasses, isolated areas, and crime hotspots. It's time for everyone to come together and make cycling a safer and more enjoyable experience for women in London.
Sadly, these issues are not just confined to statistics and reports. Nevin Sunderji, a 58-year-old cyclist from Hounslow, shared a personal account of a terrifying encounter with a threatening driver in 2018. While riding on Kensington High Street to her job in Farringdon, a driver suddenly changed lanes dangerously close to Nevin's bike. After locking eyes with her, the driver rolled down his window and proceeded to hurl insults, including telling her to "suck her mother." This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place on our roads.
It's clear that something needs to be done to address the safety concerns faced by women cyclists in London. Whether it's through improved infrastructure, increased policing, or changes in societal attitudes, it's time for action. As a community, we must work together to ensure that cycling remains a joyful and inclusive experience for all.
Women have shared some of the challenges they face while cycling, particularly in regards to gendered abuse and avoiding certain routes after dark. Even though cycling is often seen as a symbol of freedom, many women feel restricted and forced to avoid certain areas in London when the sun sets. Tomorrow, the London Cycling Campaign will hold a Women's network protest ride in the dark to bring attention to these issues.
Two cyclists shared their experiences with road violence while riding in the capital. One retired nurse was told to "get out of my way you f****** old cow" by a van driver who almost crashed into her. Another rider was told "you can f*** off and suck your mother" while riding her bike. These incidents are unfortunately not uncommon for women cyclists in London.
According to a report by the London Cycling Campaign, almost a quarter of the 219-mile Cycleway network in London is considered "socially unsafe" after dark. This includes areas near railways, industrial areas, overgrown vegetation, parks, and towpaths or rivers. In fact, 63% of the unsafe sections were in or next to parks. The report also looked at factors such as reports of antisocial behavior, blind corners, and poor lighting.
The campaigners are urging TfL, councils, and police to take action to make leisure routes safer, such as installing more CCTV and lighting in underpasses, isolated areas, and crime hotspots. However, they also recognize that these routes are still valuable for leisure cycling during the summer months and should not be completely avoided.
One cyclist, Nevin Sunderji, shared her own encounter with a threatening driver in 2018. While riding on Kensington High Street, a driver suddenly switched lanes close to her and proceeded to verbally attack her, using misogynistic language. Nevin was left feeling sick after the incident, but unfortunately, this type of behavior is not uncommon on the roads.
It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and inclusivity of cycling in London. As we continue to raise awareness and advocate for change, we can hope for a future where women can feel safe and free to ride their bikes at any time of day.
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