Bristol cyclists call for safer streets after dark at Glow Ride event
Women will be covering their bikes in fairy lights and LED strips
Women in Bristol are joining a mass bike ride on Friday (24th October) as part of calls for safer routes after dark.
They'll be covering their bikes in fairy lights and LED strips to raise awareness of the "My ride. Our right" campaign, in demand of better safety infrastructure.
A survey from Cycling UK found the majority of female cyclists (58%) limit their journeys due to safety concerns.
"I know women who’ve won 100-mile time trials and people who have just taken up cycling who avoid certain areas," said cyclist Claire Sharpe, founder of All Terre.
"So it certainly isn’t about levels of experience, it’s definitely a gendered response to safety."
"I’m a very confident cyclist, I’ve been cycling for a long time," said Rosie, founder of LunarCylces.
"I’ve been followed in an underpass in Bristol so now I don’t use the underpass after dark, which means I’m then pushed onto using the big roundabouts which obviously also isn’t safe. It’s a bit of a Catch-22.
"With the club when we’re out, almost every ride we get some kind of comment from a man. We're shouted at with often sexualised comments.
"We’ve even been told we’re naughty, which you just wouldn’t say to a group of male cyclists."
"In cycling, you might have someone sit on your wheel, so, effectively, by being right behind you, you make their journey easier," added Claire.
"I’ve had men do that to me on multiple occasions but not say anything, they just ride silently right behind you.
"I’ve had to stop before and say - as a solo rider at night, you’re making me feel really uncomfortable."
Claire and Rosie are hoping the "Glow Ride" will help raise awareness of the issue and call for safety improvements to cycle paths.
The five-mile ride is set to start from Queen Square at 6pm.