Cycling UK has co-ordinated over 60 ‘glow rides’ as a part of its women’s safety campaign, ‘My ride. Our right.’, that facilitates safer cycling and walking routes that consider the experiences of women.
22 October, almost 3,000 riders took to roads from Plymouth to Perth with bike lights, glow sticks and reflective gear to shine a light 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.
Additionally, new figures from YouGov, commissioned by the charity, found that nearly half of women (48%) are put off cycling by threatening behaviour from drivers.
More than 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.
The campaign seeks to bring attention to calls for safer cycling infrastructure for women and greater investment in infrastructure to address the gender divide.
Chief executive of Cycling UK, Sarah Mitchell, 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.”
Achievements and innovations in education & advocacy will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
