Female Commuting
- Thread starter Heifer73
- Start date
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Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
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
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
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
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
jefmcg
Legendary Member
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.
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
Guru
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
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
Changed hemispheres!
- Location
- ɐᴉlɐɹʇsn∀ 'ɐɹɹǝquɐƆ
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 
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annedonnelly
Girl from the North Country
- Location
- Canonbie
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.
Sadly there seems to be a perception amongst (older?) women that it's unsafe to be out alone in the evenings.
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.
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.
- Location
- Glasgow
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.
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.
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.
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.
