The Power of Gender Disaggregated Cycling Data Insights - A See.Sense Case Study
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban planning and transportation, the importance of disaggregated data in designing inclusive systems cannot be overstated.
Among those leading the charge in unveiling the disparities hidden within our data is Caroline Criado Perez, whose seminal work, "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men," sheds light on the profound impacts of gender biases in data collection and analysis.
This issue is particularly pressing in the context of urban transport and cycling, where the failure to account for gender-specific needs can significantly hinder mobility and safety for half the population.
Criado Perez's analysis underscores a critical oversight in traditional urban planning: the lack of gender-disaggregated data. Without this nuanced approach, it is challenging to uncover the unique obstacles women face in public spaces, including transportation systems.
Her advocacy for integrating gender perspectives in data collection is not merely academic; it is a call to action for policymakers and urban planners to reimagine a more inclusive urban landscape.
Turning our attention to cycling, a mode of transport that has seen a resurgence in urban centres worldwide, we encounter similar challenges. Historically, cycling infrastructure and policies have been developed with a one-size-fits-all approach, largely ignoring the different ways in which men and women engage with cycling.
However, emerging research, including insights from See.Sense—a pioneering technology company specialising in cycling data and analytics—begins to paint a different picture.
Our case study, focusing on women cyclists in London, provides a compelling narrative on the gender-specific preferences in cycling routes.
The data reveals that women are more likely to choose dedicated cycle routes over mixed traffic roads, emphasising the importance of safety and dedicated infrastructure in promoting cycling among women.
This insight is a testament to the value of disaggregated data in understanding and addressing the specific needs of cyclists, particularly women, who have historically been underrepresented in cycling statistics and infrastructure planning.
Our study revealed that female cyclists in London are choosing to travel on dedicated cycle routes in the UK capital, rather than roads, often at the expense of longer journeys. It also found that women tended to experience less braking and swerving on their journeys, and experienced a higher road surface quality on these routes.
Figures 1 and 2 show that women cyclists consistently favour dedicated cycle routes compared to men. The study also found that women tended to experience less braking and swerving on their journeys, and experienced a higher road surface quality on these routes (See Figures 3, 4 and 5 respectively).
Figure 1: Journeys made by female and male cyclists in the Waterloo area, with the cycle routes overlaid in dotted lines. It is clear to see that female cyclists favour cycle routes.
Figure 2: Journeys made by female and male cyclists in the Elephant and Castle area, with the cycle routes overlaid in dotted lines. It is clear to see that female cyclists favour cycle routes.
Figure 3: Logarithmic scale showing women that females spend less time on rough road surface, relative to male cyclists.
Figure 4: Logarithmic scale showing women that females spend less time braking relative to male cyclists.
Figure 5: Logarithmic scale showing women that females spend less time swerving relative to male cyclists.
The potential applications of See.Sense data extend far beyond route preference. By harnessing a range of cycling sensor data, urban planners and policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of cycling patterns, safety concerns, and infrastructure needs.
This data, particularly when disaggregated by gender, can inform the development of more inclusive cycling policies and infrastructure designs that cater to the needs of all cyclists. For instance, the implementation of more dedicated cycling lanes, improved lighting in cycling paths, and the incorporation of safety features can make cycling a more attractive and viable option for women.
The work of Caroline Criado Perez, coupled with the innovative approach of See.Sense, underscores a pivotal shift towards more equitable urban mobility solutions. By prioritising the collection and analysis of disaggregated data, we can uncover the nuanced needs of diverse user groups, including women, and pave the way for more inclusive urban environments. The integration of gender perspectives in urban planning and transportation policy is not just a matter of fairness; it is a critical step towards creating safer, more accessible, and sustainable cities for everyone.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the insights derived from disaggregated data and the pioneering work of organizations like See.Sense will be invaluable in guiding our journey towards more inclusive urban mobility. It's time to reimagine our urban spaces with equity at the forefront, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, can move through cities with ease, safety, and dignity.