Kyniska, Interval Running and Soar call on Edinburgh Council to ‘Light the Night’
Kyniska Advocacy, Interval Running and SOAR Women are calling on Edinburgh Council to ‘Light the Night’ by improving street lighting to ensure that women and girls feel safe while exercising in the dark.
As winter approaches, the shorter daylight hours make it difficult for women and girls to access safe, well-lit spaces for exercise. Parks, paths, and other outdoor areas become less accessible, leaving many to feel unsafe when running, cycling, or walking in the evenings.
On Friday 1st November, we’ll be shining a light on women’s safety by reclaiming our favourite running routes which are lost during the darkness of the winter months. Join Kyniska Advocacy, SOAR Women, and INTERVAL, for a night of running, music, and freedom, as we light up the night with a 7.5 km, women led run in Edinburgh.
A report by Strava found that women in the UK are 160% more likely than men to cite a lack of safe spaces to exercise as a barrier.
The Scottish Government found that women in Scotland are less likely to feel safe than men walking alone at night (65%, compared to 90%, respectively).
Poor street lighting can create an environment of fear and vulnerability, discouraging physical activity and limiting women’s freedom to enjoy public spaces after dark.
By investing in better street lighting, Edinburgh Council can take an essential step toward making our city more inclusive and accessible for all. Increased lighting in key areas will not only encourage more women and girls to engage in outdoor exercise but will also improve overall safety for everyone who uses these spaces.
We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in public spaces, regardless of the time of day. Lighting the night is a simple yet effective solution to empower women and girls to enjoy the benefits of exercise, even during the darker months of the year.
We urge Edinburgh Council to prioritise this initiative for the wellbeing and safety of all its citizens.
