OPINION
improve perceptions of safety, making cycling feel accessible to a much wider range of people. That message was echoed repeatedly throughout the debate, reflecting a consistent finding in our research: when safe, direct cycling infrastructure exists, women are far more likely to cycle. But infrastructure alone is not the answer.
MPs also spoke about the need for stronger enforcement against dangerous driving, greater public awareness of the 2022 changes to the Highway Code, and a wider cultural shift in how people cycling – particularly women – are treated on the road. Abuse, intimidation and harassment should never be accepted. Responding on behalf of the Government, the Minister for
‘BECAUSE THE TRUTH IS SIMPLE:
WHEN CYCLING WORKS FOR WOMEN, IT WORKS BETTER FOR EVERYONE. STREETS THAT FEEL SAFE ENOUGH FOR A WOMAN CYCLING ALONE ARE STREETS THAT ARE SAFER FOR CHILDREN RIDING TO SCHOOL, FOR OLDER PEOPLE TRAVELLING INTO TOWN, AND FOR FAMILIES MAKING EVERYDAY JOURNEYS.’
For Cycling UK, the debate represented an important milestone. The voices and experiences shared through ‘My ride. Our right’ were being heard in Parliament. But debates alone will not close the gender gap. If cycling is to become a viable form of transport for all, it must feel safe and accessible to everyone. That means those in power continuing to invest in high- quality cycling infrastructure, tackling dangerous driving and harassment, and designing transport systems that work equally well for women as they do for men. Because the truth is simple: when cycling works for women, it works better for everyone. Streets that feel safe
enough for a woman cycling alone are
Local Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP, acknowledged the importance of addressing barriers that prevent women and girls from travelling actively. The debate also touched on the forthcoming Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, which needs to include stronger measures to tackle the gender gap in cycling participation.
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streets that are safer for children riding to school, for older people travelling into town, and for families making everyday journeys. We can’t afford to build a transport system that only half the population feels able to use fully. Closing the cycling gender gap is not just a fairness issue; it’s central to unlocking the full potential of cycling for our towns, cities, and communities. Keep an eye out for our ‘My ride. Our right’ campaign, because there’s much more to come.
April 2026 | 49
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