Women’s Safety and Security Issues with Bicycling and Walking - Examination of Potential Planning, Design, and Technology Solutions

Citation:

Vaughn, Stephen T. 2009. “Women’s Safety and Security Issues with Bicycling and Walking - Examination of Potential Planning, Design, and Technology Solutions.” In Women’s Issues in Transportation - Summary of the 4th International Conference. Vol. 2. Irvine, California: Transportation Research Board.

Author: Stephen T. Vaughn

Abstract:

In the non-motorized transportation field, gender differences in bicycling and walking are well documented, and personal safety has been identified as a deterrent to their increased usage. This concern for safety is not limited to the physical environment of the roadways, but includes the individual’s perception of safety in the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the environment of multi-use paths and lanes. This paper uses data from the National Crime victimization Survey and the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System to examine gender issues and to identify major safety and security concerns for users. The study incorporates focus group recommendations to offer planning and policy recommendations to increase the number of women who choose non-motorized transportation.

Topics: Gender, Gender-Based Violence, Gendered Power Relations, Infrastructure, Transportation, Security, Human Security Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2009