As the nights start to draw in more quickly after the Autumn Equinox, cycling in the evening can feel less safe for some women. Poorly lit streets, unpopulated areas, parks and waterside paths can sometimes feel intimidating, and even more so at night. For some people, this can put them off cycling for journeys they would routinely make in summer.
Cycling UK’s current campaign “MyRide. OurRight” led to a workshop being held in Nottingham where women were able to openly discuss barriers to cycling. The discussion held here had similar findings replicated across the UK. Women’s concerns around safe cycling at night have inspired the campaign organisers to set up a series of Glow Rides around the UK on the evening of 22nd October.
In Nottingham, Women in Tandem are working with Pedals, NottsCTC and other local cycling organisations, to host a Glow Ride. The aim of these rides is to take action, joyously en masse, to highlight our right to feel safe on our streets. Safer streets and better cycling infrastructure will benefit everyone, but we know these concerns disproportionately affect women. At 6pm on Wednesday 22nd October, we will meet at the Women in Tandem workshop, and get ready to ride out together through the city to highlight our call for safe and welcoming routes. This is women-focussed but all allies are welcome! It will be a short ride (about 1 hour) at a very steady pace, we will have lots of support on hand from experienced riders, and there’ll be tea and biscuits back at the workshop afterwards. Bring yourself, your bike (but message us if borrowing one would be useful), and if you have some fun lights, or things that sparkle, bring those too.
If you’re planning on joining the Glow Ride, please sign up for free here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o
