Leaders address women’s cycle safety and launch ‘Back to the future’ research project

Why is it that women in MK cycle 77% less than men?

On 25th November, 34 Council and school leaders met to hear experts outline the reasons many women feel unsafe cycling in MK and discuss ways to address the injustice.

Guests were welcomed by Kellie Parsons and Dom Langan, CEO of event host Madison Cycles (below), where the issue was raised last year (photo story).

Guests heard personal testimonies from women:

Kurshida Mirza, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, who said she wants to cycle more but lacks confidence
Jane Whild, Voices of Women in MK, who quoted from her own research showing research showing 80% of female non-cyclists would like to cycle
Ann Shrimpton, trustee of Parks Trust and organiser of Breeze Rides, who told of verbal abuse she’d received from a male driver
Mariam Draaijer, CEO of JoyRiders Britain and LCC campaigner for women’s safety (see video)

The High Sheriff invited Seargent Tom Hughes of Thames Valley Police (below) to say a few words about how the police are aware of problems with bike thefts from Station Square, and the behaviour of some redway and road users that makes women feel unsafe, and pledged to help the Cycling CitizensMK alliance to address both issues.

Following an introduction from Richard Allman, MK Council Bikeability Instructor (below), who confirmed equal participation from girls and boys,

Leigh Brown, Year 6 lead teacher at Abbeys Primary School, talked about how girls get as excited as boys about Bikeability training in school,

Mayor Marie Bradburn then presented following awards:

Leading Bikeability School (% Year 6 trained) – Abbeys (98%), Oakgrove (80%), Giffard Park (55%), St. Mary’s Wavendon (53%)

Most improved Bikeability School (increase in % Year 6 trained) – Abbeys (144%), Emerson Valley (104%), Oakgrove (100%), Loughton (13%)

Special Bikeability School Award (for increase from 0 to 68% last year) – Knowles Primary School, with short reflection from Sophie Simpson. Also for St. Bernadette’s Primary School for ‘5 years continuous participation in Bikeability’

Malcolm Davies of Trek UK (below) spoke of the importance of data and the Cycling CitizensMK alliance.

He cited three major recent wins for the alliance:

Council funding for 5 years of MK cycle coaching and development from British Cycling
Council funding towards 5 years of Community Organising for the alliance
Council partnership in a research project with University of West England.

Dr. Jonathan Flower of University of West England presented an outline of the ‘Back to the Future’ research project’.

The project was formally endorsed and launched by Mayor Bradburn on behalf of MK City Council.

After an introduction from Tim Layden, teacher at Lord Grey Academy, and having read a written testimony from Executive Principal Jim Parker, the Mayor then formally appointed Year 11 student Cody Jackson (below), also a Youth Councillor of MK City Council, to the inaugural role of Bicycling Youth Mayor, part of an international network and only the second such post-holder in the UK so far.