Contributions from members on various Cycling Topics

Title: Cycling is for everyone – or is it?
Author: Hilary Neve
Date: 21st July 2025

In 2022 UK men cycled, on average, over three times the distance as females.  And the gender gap is widening: while men have increased their cycling and perceive that new infrastructure has made cycling safer over the last 7 years, this hasn’t had the same impact for women and girls.  So what can be done to make cycling more inclusive, to benefit groups who cycle less? 

Let’s start with women. Why are women less likely to travel by bike? Well, one reason is sexual harassment. In a survey of over 1,000 women by London Cycling Campaign’s Women’s Network, respondents reported being called “bitch” and “slut”, told to “get off the road” by motorists, and even experienced groping at traffic lights. This even happened to mothers cycling with their children. We have heard similar, shocking examples of abuse from women who cycle in Plymouth.

Studies repeatedly show, however, that the even bigger safety issue is the lack of safe cycling infrastructure. Children, women and ethnic minorities are especially discouraged by this.A study this year found that58% of women choose not to cycle, with 1 in 3 stopping completely after dark, because the cycling infrastructure is, or feels, unsafe.  A recent London study identified 24% of the 353km of London’s Cycleway network as ‘socially unsafe’ after dark, particularly areas which are isolated, where there is a risk of harm from other people and no escape routes. This included stretches through unlit parks and in underpasses, especially those where, even if lit, there is no CCTV, where people hang out and where users can’t see the other end before going in. The positive news, however, is that 45% of women say that a safe, direct cycle route to their nearest town centre or high street would encourage them to cycle.

So does the proposed Manadon roundabout development help, given that the increase in ‘generated’ traffic will expose all cyclists to more risks. Well, apparently there will be a spanking new cycling bridge so that’s great!  But maybe not, as there are no plans to improve the steep hairpin paths to and from the new bridge (a barrier to all but the fittest cyclist) or the covered underpass sections, making it highly unlikely that the bridge will encourage more active travel.  And there are no plans to make the Crownhill to Manadon roundabout route (where the cycle lane disappears completely) any safer. Instead cyclists will be expected to use the underpasses to cross Tavistock Road. I refer you to the evidence above.

And of course it’s not just about women. A 2020 study found a large unmet demand for cycling from ethnic minority and other disadvantaged groups. And what about children, who really benefit from taking up cycling. “Would you let your child cycle this route?” is a great measure of safety. I imagine the answer for many Plymouth paths, particularly narrow ones with 40mph traffic such as the Embankment or Forder Valley routes, or those with missing sections, is a resounding no. By making driving easier, the Manadon development will likely encourage parents to drive their children to school, while doing little to make it easier and safer for them to walk or cycle.

All this brings the planning process into question.  One wonders whether any of the PCC design team actually cycle the routes they design. Can they make it up the steep path from the Manadon cycle bridge?!  Were there any women on the Manadon design team? How did PCC ensure inclusivity? They would do well to follow the Sustrans Guide for inclusive cycling in cities and towns to ensure appropriate diversity in decision making and transport sector.

In the face of the accelerating climate emergency and the worrying increase in health harms from air pollution, it is vital that Councils build cycling and walking infrastructure into all new projects, whilst also ensuring that all groups, whatever their age, sexuality, gender, ethnicity or disability, are fully involved in the design. Plymouth City Council should be aiming to address inequalities in cycling rates – and to support everyone to safely cycle.