Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater backs campaign for safer cycling for women
Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater joined Cycling UK at Downing Street to hand over a petition calling for women to feel safer on their bikes.
The petition forms part of Cycling UK’s “My ride, Our right” campaign, which calls for women to be able to cycle safely and confidently, wherever and whenever they ride.
Ms Leadbeater joined the campaign as part of her wider Healthy Spen Valley campaign, which aims to support healthier communities and encourage people to be more active.
Cycling offers an accessible form of exercise, helping people improve their physical and mental wel-lbeing while providing a practical way to travel. However, concerns about safety can prevent women from cycling, limiting their access to the benefits of being active.
These concerns become particularly important as the darker evenings draw in and winter approaches.
Ms Leadbeater said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to keep active, support our health and get around, and it should be an option that is open to everyone.
“As part of my Healthy Spen Valley campaign, I want to encourage people to find forms of exercise that work for them. But we also need to make sure women feel safe and confident accessing every opportunity to be active.
“We know that concerns about safety can be a real barrier for women who want to cycle, particularly as the evenings get darker and we head into winter.
“I’m pleased to support Cycling UK’s campaign and the women who are speaking up about their experiences. Everyone should have the freedom to enjoy cycling without feeling unsafe, and I’ll continue to support efforts to make that possible.”
Tomos Owens, senior policy and public affairs officer at Cycling UK, welcomed Ms Leadbeater’s support for the campaign.
The petition handover took place on October 15 at Downing Street, with women involved in Cycling UK’s Glow Rides also supporting the campaign ahead of events taking place across the country.
Across Spen Valley, Ms Leadbeater has heard from residents about the importance of making cycling safer and more accessible, including those who take part in the annual Jo Cox Way cycle ride in memory of her sister.