Dozens of mass bike rides planned over 'lack of safe cycle routes' for women

Dozens of mass cycle rides are scheduled to take place across the UK later this month to highlight the need for safer cycling routes for women who ride after dark.

Female cyclists are “fed up” with poor cycling provisions, according to Cycling UK, the charity coordinating the events.

A survey commissioned by the organisation earlier this year found that men and women don’t necessarily face the same concerns when it comes to cycling.

Compared to seven years ago, the proportion of men put off cycling due to drivers overtaking too closely has reduced by six percentage points to 46%.

For women, the decrease was by just one percentage point to 57%.

Fears over a lack of segregated cycle lanes also fell by three percentage points to 35% among men, but increased by one percentage point to 44% for women.

Around 58% of women reported that their cycling journeys were limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure.

Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, said: “These glow rides show that women across the country are fed up with a lack of safe cycle routes in their areas.

“Communities have long called for transport choices that not only make the commute to work cheaper, but also connect with schools, local high streets, and green spaces.

“We all know cycling is an affordable, healthy, and sustainable way to get around.

“It binds us more closely with our communities and gives us more freedom to travel.

“It’s time to listen to local people and deliver a transport system that works for women and their everyday journeys.”

Those participating are being encouraged to “light up the night” by adding additional lights to their bikes, with the event. The so-called glow rides are mostly taking place on the evening of October 22.