Women across Greater Manchester are being invited to take part in a major new study exploring how safe they feel when travelling around the region, as researchers seek to know more about the unique challenges women face on and around the region’s road and transport networks.
The University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have joined forces to launch a new survey asking women about their experiences as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
The research will help build one of the most detailed pictures yet of women’s experiences of road safety in Greater Manchester and help identify practical ways to improve safety, confidence and inclusion across the region’s transport system.
The project is funded through the Vision Zero Innovation Fund and is informed by the Gender-Based Violence Strategy. It forms part of Greater Manchester’s wider Vision Zero ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads.
Researchers Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Rose Broad are leading the study, which will examine inequalities faced by women road users and explore how experiences of safety can differ depending on how people travel.
The team is particularly interested in understanding barriers that may affect women’s confidence when using roads and transport networks, as well as identifying opportunities to improve safety for current and future generations of road users.
Women living, working or travelling in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to complete the short online survey and share their insights and concerns.
The survey is the first part of a wider research project being delivered by The University of Manchester on behalf of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership Board.
Alongside the survey, participants will have the opportunity to take part in follow-up focus groups to provide more detailed insights into their experiences.
The findings will be presented to the Greater Manchester Safer Roads Partnership Board later this year.
The researchers hope the project will help ensure women’s perspectives are better reflected in future road safety policies, interventions and transport planning.
By capturing the insights of women from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and travel habits, the study aims to create a stronger evidence base to support safer, more inclusive streets across Greater Manchester.
“It is vital that everyone feels safe travelling on foot, by bike or in a vehicle, and we need to understand specifically how women experience Greater Manchester’s roads so we can continue to address barriers they may face,” said Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester. “This survey is an important opportunity for women across Greater Manchester to share their views and help shape practical action to improve safety and confidence when travelling.
“I’d encourage every woman who lives, works or travels in Greater Manchester to take part – your voice really matters.”
“Women use roads and transport networks every day, but their experiences are not always fully reflected in the evidence that informs road safety policy and planning,” said Dr Miles. “We know that concerns about safety can influence how, when and whether people travel, yet there has been relatively little research exploring these issues from women’s perspectives.
“By listening to their experiences, we can build a clearer understanding of the challenges women face and identify where improvements could make the greatest difference.
“Road safety is about more than preventing collisions – it’s also about ensuring people feel confident and secure when moving around their communities,” said Professor Broad. “The insights gathered through this research will help us understand what helps women feel safe, what creates barriers or concerns, and what practical changes could improve their experiences.
“We want the findings to support evidence-based action that makes Greater Manchester’s roads and transport systems safer and more inclusive for everyone.”
Women interested in taking part can complete the survey by clicking here.
