Female Commuting

[Heifer73]

Hi

I have only recently started commuting and the route I feel more comfortable with is down a bridleway, however I am not sure how safe this is for a woman cycling alone. Just wondering what your thoughts were?

Do other women do this and feel safe?

Thank you

 

[Saluki]

HI
I cycle alone all the time. I often (3 nights a week) cycle from home, on the outskirts of a market town, to the city hospital between 7.5 and 12 miles away depending on how I am feeling at the time. Obviously in the winter its pitch black along the cycle paths and I take decent lights and high vis clothing with me. I have never ever encountered a problem and feel as safe as houses pedalling along.

I often cycle down bridleways, or on country roads. The majority of my cycling is done alone. I have no fear of being mugged, molested, raped or attacked. If push came to shove I'd smack them one with my bike.

Enjoy your cycling and don't worry. Don't read the Daily Mail either, or listen to Jeremy Vine for that matter. We are not especially vulnerable, we don't participate in a dangerous sport/pastime either whatever either of the above might suggest.

Happy Cycling

 

[L14M]

How busy is it? Countryside I take it, tbh its hard to take a cyclist down without injuring yourself!

Liam

 

[Markymark]

Hi

I have only recently started commuting and the route I feel more comfortable with is down a bridleway, however I am not sure how safe this is for a woman cycling alone. Just wondering what your thoughts were?

Do other women do this and feel safe?

Thank you

Male perspective only I'm afraid! Get confident at roadside repairs (punctures mainly) and make sure you have proper lights, spare inner tube, pump, mobile phone etc thus minimising the stranded cyclists scenario.

 

[fossyant]

I have a few off road routes in winter I take that go near some rather rough housing estates. I've had no trouble.

The advice would be a set of good lights, so google t6 lights on ebay, or indeed look for the t6 light thread on this forum. Some outstanding bike lights for not much money.

 

[jefmcg]

It might be something to avoid in the dark, when there's no other traffic; but at that time the road alternatives are probably quieter and acceptably safe.

 

[fimm]

I'm with Saluki. I cycle and run all sorts of places on my own that others might be surprised by. One thing that helps me feel more confident about this is that I don't look particularly female when all wrapped up in winter cycling/running gear (it is different when I'm on the way to the office in my suit). I don't know if that is a useful thought for you or not, but I thought I would offer it in case you find it helpful.

 

[KneesUp]

... Don't read the Daily Mail either, or listen to Jeremy Vine for that matter. ...

Excellent advice in any situation

 

[summerdays]

I think you have to get a feel for the place. Rather oddly I don't like some parts of the Bristol 2 Bath path in the depths of winter in the gloom, after dark in the evening, and yet don't mind the same bits in the early morning gloom. Whereas I feel absolutely fine on the ring road path.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

If you are worried, either don't use the route or consider your options for defence. water bottles - squirt water in an attackers face, pumps - can be used as a baton... front lights - can be used to dazzle... There are plenty of self defence classes that you could also consider if it would help to reassure you. But in my experience, people are a lot more helpful and friendlier than society often gives them chance to be and personally I don't worry about it and I am very clearly female to anyone from a good distance away .

 

[annedonnelly]

Is there any reason to think that particular area is unsafe? If not, then I wouldn't worry. Attacks against strangers are very rare. You'll be moving so if you meet some cheeky kids you'll soon be past them and away. Keep your phone handy so you call someone if you get a puncture and feel vulnerable.

Sadly there seems to be a perception amongst (older?) women that it's unsafe to be out alone in the evenings.

 

[Soup890]

You will be fine, I have seen women jogging down a B road in the middle of winter or walking early in the morning in the country side.

I'm a 6'2 ft black guy I get scared of my nagging wife.

I have had old white women stop me when cycling at full pelt to have random conversations.

 

[Shadowfax]

" Do other women do this and feel safe ? "
Yes but I'm not you and I do not live where you do.
At the end of the day its up to you .

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi!
I cycle through a park at night or in the early morning hours.
Personally love it, think it's actually more dangerous during the day and certainly less dangerous than the next bit of my commute, a dual carriage way.
In saying that, if you feel uncomfortable seek an alternative route.
Decent lights and basic bike repair knowledge are needed wherever you cycle, so are worth acquiring.
So far, any time I got abuse, it has been on a main, well lit road.

 

[buggi]

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELING. You're intuition is your most powerful weapon. If it feels ok, it probably is but if, at any time you feel spooked then use another way home and/or phone someone to come and meet you (and that goes for any situation)

for the record, I've never felt vulnerable as a woman on a bike even though I cycle country lanes all the time, except for one time last year when I was followed by another (male) stealth cyclist. Who in fact turned out to be a 16 year lad who wanted to keep up with me as he forgot his lights.

for me, i wouldn't be spooked on a bridlepath but i wouldn't like an underpass.