Safety concerns and societal expectations hinder young women’s cycling participation in Victorian society.
The Unmet Demand for Cycling in Young Victorian Women
The statistics are stark: 92% of young Victorian women, aged 18-29, are interested in riding a bike. However, their participation in cycling is a mere 4% of the total, compared to men of the same age group. This significant disparity highlights a huge unmet demand for cycling among young women in Victoria.
The Barriers to Cycling
Several factors contribute to the low participation rate of young women in cycling. One of the primary concerns is safety.
The research has been conducted in collaboration with the Victorian Government and the Australian Institute of Sport.
## The Problem: Getting Young Women into Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact, accessible, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. However, it remains a male-dominated sport, with women making up only a small percentage of participants. This disparity is not only a matter of personal preference but also has significant implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. The Victorian Government has set a target to increase the number of women participating in cycling by 20% by 2025. Research has shown that women are less likely to participate in cycling due to various barriers, including:*
- Lack of confidence and self-efficacy
- Limited access to safe and suitable cycling infrastructure
- Social and cultural norms that discourage women from cycling
- Physical and mental health concerns
- 8% of trips in Victoria are currently taken by bike
- 50% rise in women’s cycling in London during the COVID lockdown
- Near-equal gender participation in Paris
## The Solution: Pedalling Towards Active Living (PETAL)
The PETAL project aims to address these barriers and encourage more young women to take up cycling. By working with young women to design real-world solutions, the project seeks to empower them to become active agents of change.
The report, titled “Investing in Inclusive Cycling Infrastructure,” was developed by the National Cycling Strategy Group, a collaborative effort between the National Trust, the British Cycling Association, and the Disability Rights Commission.
The Problem of Inclusive Cycling Infrastructure
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in the UK, with millions of people using it every day. However, the current state of cycling infrastructure in the UK is often inaccessible to people with disabilities. This can be due to a lack of consideration for people with disabilities in the design and construction of cycling infrastructure. The report highlights the need for more accessible bike lanes, wider bike paths, and improved signage to help people with disabilities navigate the cycling network. The report also emphasizes the importance of designing infrastructure that is inclusive of people with disabilities, rather than just providing separate facilities for them.*
The Benefits of Inclusive Cycling Infrastructure
Investing in inclusive cycling infrastructure can have numerous benefits for people with disabilities and the wider community.
The Rise of Women in Cycling
The number of women riding bikes has been increasing globally, with notable examples in cities like London and Paris. This trend is expected to continue, with Monash University’s partnership playing a significant role in promoting women’s cycling. Key statistics:
The Benefits of Women’s Cycling
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, offering numerous physical and mental health benefits. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and increase energy levels.
