On 10th December, to mark the end of the UN’s 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, women in Edinburgh will lead a Light Up the Night cycle ride to highlight the urgent need for night time cycling infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose for women and girls.
prioritise safe and comfortable cycle infrastructure, protected from traffic, on well-lit direct routes
provide well-signed routes which are permeable and always have a way out, not fenced/ walled on both sides, and with good connections to other streets
provide routes which use natural surveillance where possible, for example streets with high footfall
Many women in Edinburgh say they would cycle but they are afraid of traffic, and they fear the off-road routes in the dark.
Emily Wood, who lives in Portobello and works in Inverleith, said,
'I am not a very confident cyclist so I much prefer routes I am familiar with. I am nervous of cycling along dark, lonely and convoluted routes and I would never cycle on a busy road. My balance isn’t great so I need wide protected cycle lanes. I’d like to cycle more to work and for other trips in the city but the infrastructure isn’t there to support me, especially in the winter.'
Women face difficult dilemmas trying to choose the safest route as the days get shorter. Do they risk a dangerous junction, and roads renowned for speeding and close-passing drivers? Or do they use an off-road isolated path that has no escape routes and numerous reports of anti-social behaviour, abuse, and even assault?
Dr Caroline Brown from the Urban Institute at Heriot Watt University said,
‘male violence doesn’t just affect the women victims, it affects the behaviour of all women who weigh the risk of every decision they make. Off-road paths should not count as cycle infrastructure if they’re not safe for everyone every time.’
Kirsty Lewin of Spokes Porty, an organiser of the ride, said,
‘we welcome the Council’s ambitious plans for improving cycling conditions in the city, and the forthcoming work on safety for women in public spaces. However, Edinburgh’s current cycling infrastructure is poor and not fit for purpose, particularly for women. Improvements are far too slow. The Council must prioritise projects that enable women and girls to feel safe and comfortable, and to travel with confidence.’
The ride, a short slow circuit around the city centre, will depart from Middle Meadow Walk at 7.30pm and last around an hour. The route has been designed to be accessible for all abilities and types of cycles. Cyclists are encouraged to dress up themselves and their cycles with colourful lights. While the ride will be led by women, everyone is welcome to join in.
Notes for Editors
For further information about the event or interviews please contact Kirsty Lewin on 07734352255 or Sara Dorman on 07747394994
The ride has been organised by a group of women from across Edinburgh.
For further information on the UN’s 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, see the official website.
Eventbrite info is here.
Twitter: @LightUpEdi
We will be making an assessment of the weather at 11am on 10th December and cancel if weather conditions are too dangerous. We will announce any cancellation through Eventbrite and social media channels.
We have provided two photos with this press release. Please credit John Preece if using either or both of them.
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