The group, which receives support from Norwich City Council, also argues that female riders are disproportionately affected by incidents such as close approaches by drivers.

Ms Cresswell Riol stated, “What women and gender-diverse cyclists confront isn’t simply driving danger; it’s gender-based harassment and risks to social safety.

The audit wants to identify areas where women cyclists feel unsafe (Image: Norwich Cycling Campaign)

The group has initiated a Women’s Cycling Safety Audit to learn more about people’s perspectives on the problem.

The project is supported by City Hall and carried out in collaboration with other cycling organisations, including Bicycle Links and Boudicca Bikes.

It consists of a series of drop-in sessions held throughout the city from February to April, as well as focus groups, group rides, a zine-making workshop, and an online poll.

Ms Cresswell Riol continued: “In Norwich, we don’t yet have good local statistics on these experiences, which is why this audit is so vital.

By listening to lived experiences, we can build safe, empowering, and inclusive streets for all.

The cycling gender gap is not just about numbers, but also about who feels comfortable, supported, and capable of riding.”It reflects broader inequities, such as access to time and finances, exposure to harassment, and socially anticipated carer duties.

“Who cycles and where reflects these deep disparities. Understanding these hurdles is critical for making riding in Norwich safer, fairer, and more inclusive for all.”A woman cycling in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Cresswell Riol stated that she has witnessed frightening behaviour firsthand and was recently nearly pushed off the road by an aggressive driver.

Kelly Robinson, 31, used to cycle to work at the Norwich Research Park along the Avenues every day, but she has stopped due to regular occurrences of male vehicles being abusive toward her.

In an incident near Earlham Road/Edinburgh Road, a cyclist reported being aggressively followed by a van.

When I got to the corner of Earlham Road, the man driving the van approached me, leaned out the window, and began shouting at me, telling me I should have moved out of the way.

“I just went into Earlham Road and waved goodbye.

Cyclists are allowed on the road. This is only one of many events that have turned me off.”

Women’s safety while running has recently become a big worry, with many experiencing catcalls and being followed.

Repeated incidences have prompted some forces to use undercover police officers to catch people in the act. Alice Macdonald, Norwich North MP, is also backing the cycling audit.

The first drop-in session will be held at Bread and Roses Community Cafe on Wednesday, February 18, from 4 to 7 p.m.

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