The study combines international and Irish literature with new rich, in-depth qualitative evidence gathered from women across Ireland through surveys, ethnographic research and co‑creative workshops.
Three themes emerged from the findings that influence women’s cycling:
➡️Personal and lived experience – As people move through life, their travel needs change in ways the transport network often can’t support.
➡️Infrastructure – 49% of respondents cite unsafe roads as a barrier to cycling, and 39% blame high traffic volumes and speeds.
➡️Cultural Perceptions – Nearly half (45%) of women believe cycling has a negative image in Ireland, and many do not identify as “cyclists,” viewing cycling as male-dominated and sport-focused.
Transport is often seen as gender neutral, but this is not the case. Transport and travel experiences and needs can vary for different people.
Empowering Women to Cycle – Insights beyond numbers
