Aggressive driver behaviour, speeding, poor cycling infrastructure and the increased size of vehicles are deterring women from getting on their bikes, research by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has found.
Most women in Ireland can cycle and have access to a bike, but are only half as likely as men to choose cycling as a mode of travel, according to the Empowering Women to Cycle report.
And all those jibes about women being worried about “helmet hair”? They don’t hold up in the research.
Half of those surveyed said unsafe roads were a barrier to cycling. And then there was the fear of being on the receiving end of verbal abuse from drivers.
So what has to change to encourage women to cycle?
Irish Times Dublin editor and daily cyclist Olivia Kelly explains.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Andrew McNair with additional research by Ellen Clusker.
