Safety Fears Continue to Discourage Women from Cycling

Women are still less willing than men to get on two wheels according to research by Sustrans. The sustainable transport charity found that many women lack the confidence to take on the dangers, perceived or otherwise, that cycling involves.

79 percent of the women questioned felt that cycling wasn't for them, with less than 1 in 10 women saying they cycled more than once a month. Concerns about their safety on two wheels ranked highly among their reasons not to cycle, along with lack of fitness and motivation.

The gender gap is reinforced by recent figures from Cycling England, which suggest men are three times more likely to saddle up than women. This research had similar results, with more than half the women questioned stating that safety was an issue. Image is also an issue, with the biggest fear amongst 18 to 34 year-olds being 'arriving at work sweaty'.

Where women live is also likely to influence how often they cycle, according to Sustrans. Women in here in the South West are most likely to, while those who live in Scotland and the North West are the least likely to saddle up. 

To encourage women to get on their bikes, Sustrans will be organising female-friendly cycle rides in the summer using traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network.

The charity has also set up a new women-specific website, www.bikebelles.org.uk, which has just gone live and has lots of information for women on what to wear, where to go and how to do it.