London Cycling Campaign Unveils Shocking Abuse Faced by Women Who Ride Bicycles

Less than one-third of cycling trips in London are made by women, and the reasons should be deeply disturbing for all. The London Cycling Campaign’s latest report sheds light on the obstacles faced by women cyclists in the capital, and it makes one wonder if this is what women bicyclists encounter in other cities as well. In a report titled “What Stops Women Cycling in London?,” the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) is attempting to expose the alarming levels of harassment, aggression, and even physical and sexual assault directed at women riding bicycles. The report serves as a call to action for the city’s mayor, Transport for London, and London boroughs to dismantle these barriers and make cycling a safe and inclusive mode of transport for everyone.

Why the Gender Disparity?

Statistics reveal that less than one in three cycling trips in London are undertaken by women, a stark contrast to the Netherlands, where over half of cycle trips are made by women. The LCC Women’s Network conducted a survey of over 1,000 women in London, unearthing shocking stories of harassment and abuse. The report, which includes detailed descriptions of verbal, physical, and gender-based attacks, is a harrowing account of the challenges faced by women cyclists in the city.

Trigger Warning: Swearing and Detailed Descriptions

In a YouTube preview, participants in the survey share their stories, providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the daily struggles of women on two wheels. Watch below.

Women’s Freedom Ride 2024

In response to these revelations, the LCC is organizing the Women’s Freedom Ride 2024. Thousands of women and allies will pedal through central London on Sunday, March 3, demanding urgent action to ensure the physical and social safety of women and girls cycling. The ride aims to shine a spotlight on the need for change and send a powerful message to authorities.

Campaign Demands

The campaign is urging the Mayor to transform London into a city where all women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals feel safe to cycle. The key demands include:

1. Addressing Physical Safety: Develop cycling infrastructure across London that is physically safe, accessible, and of the highest quality to boost women’s confidence in cycling without fear of hostile interactions with motor vehicles.
2. Addressing Social Safety: Implement verifiable actions to significantly improve social safety for women cyclists in collaboration with relevant authorities, including Transport for London and London’s boroughs.
3. Beyond the Commute: Prioritize local cycle networks, such as low traffic neighborhoods and safe routes to schools, to ensure that cycling is not just a commuter activity but a daily choice for everyone.

Photo courtesy London Cycling Campaign

The London Cycling Campaign’s report is a wake-up call to address the glaring gender disparity in cycling in the UK capitol, and perhaps beyond. By sharing the stories of women cyclists and presenting concrete demands, the LCC aims to create a London where cycling is not just a means of transport but a right that every individual, regardless of gender, can enjoy without fear or intimidation.

The Women’s Freedom Ride 2024 is not just a ride; it’s a movement demanding change on the streets.