Women account for just 23 per cent of cyclists observed using Milton Keynes’ Redways network, according to a local taskforce, prompting renewed calls for safer cycling infrastructure.

The Gender Pedal Gap Taskforce examined the use and quality of the city’s active travel routes, finding that concerns over collisions and personal safety, including the risk of harassment, were among the issues raised by women surveyed.

Milton Keynes Council active travel programme manager Hayley Roche said improvements to maintenance and surveillance in underpasses could help users feel safer, adding that greater use of the network could also improve perceptions of safety.

The findings come as Cycling UK has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the government to take action to make cycling safer and more accessible for women.

The letter, supported by Labour MPs, calls for better cycle routes, highlighting how busy traffic and harassment can deter women from cycling for everyday journeys, including commuting and taking children to school.

It also urges the Prime Minister to extend the transport ambitions demonstrated during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester across the country.

Cycling UK says enabling more women to cycle would offer an affordable, healthy travel option while helping reduce congestion and improve communities.

The letter coincides with the return of Cycling UK’s ‘My ride. Our right.’ campaign, which includes more than 80 organised glow rides across the UK to highlight the need for safer, better-lit cycling routes.

The Milton Keynes findings were presented at a summit organised by campaign group Cycling Citizens MK, where co-chair Ann Shrimpton called for firm commitments from local politicians on investment and infrastructure design that better meets the needs of all users, particularly women.

(Picture: Cycling UK)