A London council has sparked mockery by backing hundreds more e-bikes it said would help women to fulfil their “traditional domestic responsibilities” and stay feeling “nice”.
Kingston council put out the statement in an equality impact assessment for an expansion of 500 e-bikes in the south west London borough.
The council, held by the Liberal Democrats at the May 7 local elections, said: “Electric bikes may increase women’s access to cycling and physical activity by making it easier for women to meet their traditional domestic responsibilities, as well as stay looking ‘nice’ on a bike.”
The statement added: “E-bikes are also challenging sexism in cycling in important ways; making bike retail and repair environments more inclusive for women, challenging sexism in bike design and marketing and increasing women’s sense of confidence and entitlement to occupy the road space.
“They are also opening up more empowering and enjoyable opportunities for physical activity to a wider group of women.”
However, the stance triggered a backlash among local residents.
“Kingston Council E-Bike sexist horror,” one woman posted on Facebook.
“This is from the Equalities Impact Assessment for the move to increase to 500 ebikes across Kingston going to Place Committee,”
“OMG.
“Weep, women of Kingston; weep!”
However, after the local uproar, the council launched an investigation into the issue and changed the wording.
It now states in the first paragraph: “E-bikes may increase active travel amongst women as well as the wider population by for example enabling carrying of goods or shopping and allowing more complex trip chaining that people with caring responsibilities may face more regularly.”
The council has also apologised for the original statement.
In correspondence to the woman who raised concerns about the statement, it said: “Further to my email earlier today, I am writing to share the findings of our investigation into how an outdated and inappropriate description of the benefits of cycling for women was included in the Equality Impact Assessment published as an annex to the E-Bikes Concession Contract report.
“Once again, thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.
“The description does not align with the council’s commitments to fairness, inclusivity and protecting the rights of all women and girls.
“We would like to sincerely apologies for this error and for any offence caused.”
The council added: “We are committed to fairness and equality of opportunity, working with communities and partners.”
E-Bikes are a controversial issue in London.
Many Londoners use them as a very easy and accessible mode of transport, including during the recent Tube strikes by RMT train drivers.
But they are also often left on pavements and other areas causing obstructions.
Kensington and Chelsea council recently seized their 2,500 e-bike in a parking crackdown.
