Glow ride campaign aims to improve women's safety on Welsh streets
Cycling UK says women are being forced to choose between busy roads and isolated routes, as Glow Rides return across Wales.
Women across the UK are being encouraged to take part in a series of night-time cycling events highlighting concerns about safety, lighting and the design of routes after dark.
The Glow Rides are part of Cycling UK’s “My Ride. Our Right” campaign, which focuses on the barriers women face when cycling. Last year, thousands of people took part in rides across 67 towns and cities, with more events planned this year.
Gwenda Owen, Cycling UK’s Wales Advocacy and Development Lead, said women could be forced to choose between busy roads and isolated routes when cycling at night.
“It means they quite often have to make uncomfortable choices by looking at a main road or a secluded dark route. And this isn't right,” she said.
She said better-designed infrastructure could make cycling safer and more accessible for everyone.
“We want routes that work for women. And if they work for women, as I've said, they will work for everyone. So we don't just want the routes from the outskirts of a city into city centre... We want them to join up communities.”
Ms Owen said the campaign was also about challenging behaviour towards women in public spaces.
“We shouldn't have abuse or, you know, things shouted at us, feel threatened in any way, whatever we're doing in any aspect of our life.”
The Glow Rides are women-led but open to everyone, with organisers encouraging people to bring their bikes, lights, children and partners.
For Ms Owen, the message is simple: “It's having fun and feeling safe.”