Preventing Public Sexual Harassment in Running Communities: A Toolkit for Run Clubs
The Public Sexual Harassment Guidance for Run Clubs, created by Our Streets Now, is a detailed, research-informed toolkit designed to help running clubs of all types address public sexual harassment (PSH).
Urban Runnability and Perceived Safety: A case study of Helsinki and Rotterdam
A comparative case study of Rotterdam and Helsinki that examines both objective and perceived environmental factors influencing runners’ route preferences and feelings of safety, with particular attention to gendered differences in safety concerns.
Abuse of Women Runners in the UK: Evidence from Greater Manchester and Merseyside
The study investigates the prevalence, nature, and impact of abuse experienced by women runners in Greater Manchester and Merseyside (UK) and fills a critical gap in criminological research about the topic.
Sexual Harassment and Assault in Trail and Ultrarunning: Key Findings
The first large-scale, mixed-methods study focused specifically on sexual harassment and assault (SHSA) in the trail and ultrarunning communities.
Women’s Perceptions of Safety in Rural Trail Running
This study examines how women trail runners in England perceive and respond to male harassment and feelings of vulnerability in rural, off-road running spaces.
Make Space for Girls
A UK-based campaign and advocacy organization focused on transforming parks, play equipment, and public spaces, which are often designed with boys in mind, to be inclusive and appealing for girls and young women. By involving teenage girls in the design process and highlighting the lack of facilities for them, Make Space for Girls is working to ensure that outdoor environments support girls’ physical activity and safety so they can enjoy public spaces freely.
Safer London for All: Women-Led Safety Audits for Inclusive Public Spaces
Safer London for All is an initiative led by We Made That, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). It delivers a methodology and toolkit for Women’s Safety Audits to assess and improve safety in public spaces.
Women’s Running Safety in the UK: Findings from Runner’s World
Reclaim Your Run, a 2021 collaboration between Runner’s World and Women’s Health, investigates the widespread harassment and safety concerns faced by women runners in the UK.
Take Back the Track
Take Back the Track is a Australian grassroots movement dedicated to ending violence and harassment towards women and gender diverse runners.
RouteBuddies
RouteBuddies is a community-driven safety app designed to connect people for group runs, walks, hikes, and bike rides. The platform empowers users to find companions for their activities and leverages technology to create safer experiences.
Safety in Public Space for Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People
This report from the Mayor of London’s office shines a spotlight on the experiences of women, girls, and gender diverse people in public spaces across the city. Through a blend of data, personal stories, and policy recommendations, the report aims to make London safer and more welcoming for all.
She Didn’t Come Home: Remembering and Advocating for Women Lost While Walking and Running
A storytelling and advocacy project documenting cases of women who were killed or went missing while walking or running, and calling for systemic reforms in justice and safety.
Gender Differences in Urban Recreational Running
This study by McGill University’s Platial Analysis Lab analyzes over 20,000 Strava running routes in Washington, D.C., and Montréal to understand how gender influences when and where people run in cities.
Exploring Safety Concerns Among Women Runners in the Netherlands
A survey of women runners in the Netherlands to better understand their experiences and safety concerns while running, and to collect feedback on the types of interventions and solutions they valued most.
Women’s Experiences of Safety and Harassment While Running in Australia
A public survey launched by Australian runner and advocate Turia Pitt to better understand how safety concerns shape the running experiences of women. With roughly 2,000 responses, her dataset offers firsthand accounts of the fears, adjustments, and emotional weight that many runners carry.
Running as Spatial Resistance: The Taking Space Initiative
An initiative designed to challenge gendered limitations in public spaces by encouraging women to run together in environments where their presence is unexpected or even discouraged.
Free to Run
A nonprofit organization that uses running and outdoor sports to empower girls and young women in areas of conflict. By providing safe spaces and leadership training, they help participants develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency, challenging gender norms and promoting peace.
Urban Lighting and Perceived Safety: Lessons from Melbourne’s Tan
The City of Melbourne (Australia) installed permanent lighting along The Tan running track to extend access and improve safety, particularly for early-morning and evening runners. The City reports increased use and positive feedback, with many runners saying they now feel safer using the space.
Safer Parks Guidance: Improving Access for Women and Girls
The Safer Parks Guidance from the University of Leeds lays out clear, evidence-based steps to make parks feel more welcoming and safe for women and girls.