A number of Edinburgh women are set to protest against the number of dark, unlit pathways in the city to keep both themselves and others safer in the night.
The 'Light up the Night Cycle' has been created to see better infrastructure around the capital to ensure both women and girls feel comfortable travelling alone in the dark.
Taking place on December 10, the event will mark the end of the UN’s 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with hopes of the council improving surveillance and signage.
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Particpant Emily Wood, a keen cyclist, explained that she if often made to choose between heading along a busy and congested route, or a dark unlit one where she is also at risk of assault.
Emily,who lives in Portobello and works in Inverleith, said: "I am not a very confident cyclist, so I much prefer routes I am familiar with.
"I am nervous of cycling along dark, lonely and convoluted routes and I would never cycle on a busy road. My balance isn’t great, so I
need wide protected cycle lanes. I’d like to cycle more to work and for other trips in the city, but the infrastructure isn’t there to support me, especially in the winter.
"Women face difficult dilemmas trying to choose the safest route as the days get shorter. Do they risk a dangerous junction, and roads renowned for speeding and close-passing drivers? Or do they use an off-road isolated path that has no escape routes and numerous reports of anti-social behaviour, abuse, and even assault?"
The light up protest will be a short slow circuit around the city centre, with participants departing from Middle Meadow Walk at 7.30pm for around an hour. Dessigned to be an accessible route for all, the group will head around the Canongate and Southside on their bikes.
Cyclists have been encouraged to dress up in colourful and bright lights, with their bikes also set to be decorated.
Although set to be an enjoyable event for the group, the message is hoped to see the council enforce further infrastructure that will keep routes safe to travel.
Dr Caroline Brown from the Urban Institute at Heriot Watt University said: "Male violence doesn’t just affect the women victims, it affects the behaviour of all women who weigh the risk of every decision they make.
"Off-road paths should not count as cycle infrastructure if they’re not safe for everyone every time."
Kirsty Lewin of Spokes Porty, an organiser of the ride, said: "We welcome the Council’s ambitious plans for improving cycling conditions in the city, and the forthcoming work on safety for women in public spaces.
"The Council must prioritise projects that enable women and girls to feel safe and comfortable, and to travel with confidence."
While the ride will be led by women, they have urged that anyone is welcome to join them, with more information to be found here.
