Empowering women through active mobility

Numerous data from the private and the public sector have indicated a gender gap in active mobility with only about one-third of women commuting by active modes such as bikes and e-scooters. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more women into bicycling. Since the start of the pandemic, cities across the globe have seen a surge in active mobility with bike surge as most prevalent. In response, cities are implementing and promoting initiatives that are taking street space back from cars and encouraging active transportation and to accomodate for the increase in bike ridership. As planners and policymakers are redesigning their street space, a gender equity lens in public space must be considered in order to retain and attract more women into cycling post pandemic. Equally important is for the public and the private sector to work together to understand and address the barriers preventing women from partaking in cycling.
This session will look at active mobility through the gender and accessibility lens. Discussion will include opportunities and barriers, best practices on policy measures, infrastructural changes, and designs that are gender inclusive.