Saying NO to road abuse and harassment
Because every journey, every ride should be a joyful experience
Experienced harassment or abuse? Unsure of what to do? Need support?
Since launching in 2022, we have supported thousands of women, girls, non-binary folks and families to cycle.
The number one barrier to women cycling is road safety.
We are on a mission to tackle this barrier and make cycling safer.
Have your ever experienced being…
Yelled at, called names or given inappropriate gestures
Overtaken too closely
Threatened by dangerous driving
Faced with aggressive behaviours
We asked our community on Instagram, if they had ever experienced abuse - such as being yelled at and told to get off the road, given the finger or faced threatening behaviour - when cycling
Out of 51 people, only one person said no.
Abuse and harassment on our roads have become normalised. We cannot and must not accept this.
What can I do?
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Support cycling infrastructure
More and improved cycling infrastructure make journeys safer. If you can, please participate in consultations and surveys and let city planners know what matters to you.
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Contact your politicians
To tackle road abuse, we must invest resources into education, awareness and behaviour change initiatives that help change attitudes and cultures. By emailing your MP, MSPs and councillors you can help influence the agenda.
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Share your story
Many people who don’t cycle are unaware of how common the problem is. If you feel comfortable to do so, consider sharing your experience. If you’d like to do it anonymously, please send us an email on community@womenonwheels.org.uk and we will be honoured to share your story.
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Join initiatives
Many cycling organisations arrange rides and campaigns to raise awareness of the issue. For example on Saturday 7 November, we are hosting Ride Bright together with Sunny Cycles to raise awareness of women’s safety cycling at night.
First and foremost, we are so sorry you’ve had to experience this. No matter how big or small the incident, we know the lasting impact it can have. Below, we have gathered some guidance and resources on what you can do if it happens to you. Please know you are never alone and your feelings and experience matter.
I’ve experienced abuse. Now what?
Reporting abuse
For immediate emergencies call 999. For non-emergencies call 101 or use the Police’s online reporting form.
Legal advice
Understanding your rights can be a minefield. If you are a member of Cycling UK, you can use their Incident Line for free. Cycling Law Scotland is a law firm specialising in cycling accidents and are usually very helpful in answering legal questions.
You have the right to report if you have experienced or witnessed abuse. You are not required to do so, the choice is yours. We know how difficult it can be to gather enough evidence to prove your case, so please be kind to yourself and do what feels right for you.
Support Services
Experiencing harassment and abuse on our roads can have a negative impact on our confidence and mental health. Below, we have collated some of the local services that may be able to help you.
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Amina - helpline for Muslim and minority ethnic women. Call 0808 801 0301. Available Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
Breathing Space - free support by calling 0800 83 85 87. Available Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am and Friday-Sunday 6pm-6am.
Samaritans - free support by calling 116 123. Available 24/7.
The Nook - The Nook offers drop-in mental health support in a safe, stigma-free and non-clinical environment – without the need for an appointment. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
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Amina - helpline for Muslim and minority ethnic women. Call 0808 801 0301. Available Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
Glasgow’s Association for Mental Health - individual mental health support (if self-referred cost involved)
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis - for women who have experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.
Lifelink - Lifelink is an early intervention service, helping with emotional difficulties before they escalate. They focus on mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low mood.
Tea in the Pot - Friday drop-in service between 9.30am-2pm for women to meet and talk at Pearce Institute, Govan.
The Nook - The Nook offers drop-in mental health support in a safe, stigma-free and non-clinical environment – without the need for an appointment. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
The Women’s Centre Glasgow - provide therapies and classes to improve mental and physical wellbeing
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Many women lose their cycling confidence following road harassment or abuse. Women On Wheels provide different services that can help you regain your confidence:
Confidence Building Cycling Skills Sessions: These sessions are suitable for women or non-binary folks who used to cycle, but lost their confidence and are looking to build their skills back up. You can book a session here.
Buddy Sessions: These 1-1 sessions are designed to support you either with a route or skill. They can suggest alternative routes and provide guidance on how to cope with challenging sections. Email us on women@womenonwheels.org.uk to organise a buddy session.