New Guidance Aims to Enhance Women's Safety in Public Spaces

Active Travel England (ATE), in collaboration with Living Streets, has released new guidance aimed at improving women's safety in public spaces across England. This initiative responds to growing concerns about harassment and safety, particularly in poorly lit areas. The guidance emphasizes the need for intentional design in urban planning to create environments where women and girls feel secure while walking, jogging, or engaging in other activities.

The Guardian

The impetus for this guidance stems from personal experiences like that of Reetta Vaahtoranta, a resident of Newham, who ceased jogging in her neighborhood due to unwanted attention from male passersby. Her decision reflects a broader trend among women who alter their behaviors in response to safety concerns. The guidance aims to address these issues by promoting urban designs that encourage safety and inclusivity.

The Guardian

The new recommendations include several measures to enhance safety, such as improved lighting, installation of CCTV, and replacing dark underpasses with well-lit street-level crossings. Councils will have the opportunity to apply for public funding to implement these improvements. The guidance draws inspiration from successful international models, including initiatives in Spain and Sweden that allow women to request bus drivers to stop between designated stops at night.

The Guardian

Despite the positive reception of the guidance, some critics argue that urban planning often neglects the voices of women and marginalized groups. Tanya Braun, director of external affairs at Living Streets, highlighted the importance of consulting women and girls during the development of public spaces. She noted, “A lot of our towns and cities have been built without consultation with certain groups of lived experience. That really needs to happen, because without consultation how is a designer supposed to know what that local community needs?”

The Guardian

Living Streets has emphasized that the guidance is a step towards addressing fairness in public space usage and increasing physical activity levels among women. The organization’s research indicates that factors such as lighting, visibility, and the presence of other people significantly contribute to feelings of safety. Braun stated, “We know that lighting’s really important in terms of women and girls feeling safe getting out and about.”

The Guardian

As councils begin to implement these guidelines, there is an expectation that more public spaces will be redeveloped to prioritize safety for women and girls. This initiative represents a significant shift in urban planning philosophy, aiming to create environments where all community members can feel secure and active.

The Guardian

• “If I know it can be a bit dodgy, then I just stop doing it.” — Reetta Vaahtoranta, Campaigner

The Guardian

• “Just that feeling of someone’s watching you,” she said.” — Tanya Braun, Director of External Affairs, Living Streets

The Guardian

This guidance marks a crucial step in addressing the safety concerns of women in public spaces, aiming to foster environments that support active and safe participation in community life.

The Guardian