Survey: Women Opt for Safer Bike Infrastructure

Most cyclists would rather ride apart from vehicle traffic, but that preference is especially pronounced among women.

1 minute read

September 16, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Woman in Bike Lane, Toronto, Canada

Xander@416cyclestyle / Flickr

New research from the University of Birmingham in the UK shows that cyclists of all genders agree on high-level preferences and priorities: Trails through parks were identified as the preferred form of bike infrastructure, followed by curb-protected bike lanes. And perceptions of safety were a top factor in shape those preferences.

But further questions revealed that women had a stronger preference for separated bike infrastructure and were more inclined to chose safety over other advantages, Streetsblog's Angie Schmitt reports. Men, for example, were more willing to ride in the road in exchange for a more direct route or as they gained cycling experience.

A 2011 study in New York also found a particular preference among women for separated bike lanes. The findings reinforce the notion that safety concerns are a major factor in the cycling gender gap, Schmitt says.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in Streetsblog USA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

45 minutes ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

1 hour ago - The Texas Tribune

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

2 hours ago - Inside Climate News