Why is it that women in MK cycle 77% less than men?
Business, Council, school and community leaders from across the city will meet to hear experts outline the reasons many women feel unsafe on cycling in MK and agree actions to address the injustice. The event will be hosted by Madison Cycles, where the issue was raised last year (photo story). This event will be held on a different Madison Cycles site: 74 Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, MK13 9HA.
Draft agenda
- 3.15pm Arrive and networking
- 3.30 Welcome from Dom Langan, CEO Madison Cycles
- 3.35 Why cycling matters and why inclusion matters to the Council – Cllr Marie Bradburn, Mayor of Milton Keynes
- 3.40 Testimony from a cyclist who would like to cycle more – Kurshida Mirza, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire – and welcome to Police Sergeant Tom Hughes
- 3.45 What we know about women cycling in MK – actual participation and the barriers – Jane Whild, Voices of Women in MK
- 3.50 What encourages women to cycle in MK – Ann Shrimpton, Breeze Rides
- 3.55 How can you make women feel safer cycling – Mariam Draaijer, CEO of JoyRiders Britain and LCC campaigner (LCC video)
- 4.00 How Bikeability training is getting more girls cycling – Richard Allman, Bikeability; testimony from a teacher
- 4.05 Celebrating MK Mayor’s Year of Cycling – Mayor Marie Bradburn presents awards and launches Love To Ride ‘Winter Wheelers’
- Leading Bikeability School (% Year 6 trained) – Abbeys (98%), Oakgrove (80%), Giffard Park (55%), St. Mary’s Wavendon (53%)
- Most improved Bikeability School (increase in % Year 6 trained) – Abbeys (144%), Emerson Valley (104%), Oakgrove (100%), Loughton (13%)
- Special Bikeability School Award (for increase from 0 to 68% last year) – Knowles Primary School, with short reflection from Sophie Simpson. Also for St. Bernadette’s Primary School for ‘5 years continuous participation in Bikeability’
- 4.10 Importance of data and importance of Cycling CitizensMK alliance – Murray Woodburn, Head of Transport, MK City Council
- 4.15 Launch of ‘Back to the Future’ research project – Dr. Jonathan Flower, University of West England; with endorsement from Cllr Nayee.
- 4.25 Schools overview and Appointment of Youth Bicycling Mayor – Jim Parker, Executive Principal of Lord Grey Academy & Deputy CEO Tove Learning Trust, makes presentation to Year 11 student, Cody Jackson; Cody’s poem
- 4.30 Thanks, reminder about Cycling Santas 14.22.24 (100 people signed up already, target 200), and Close
- 4.45 End
- 5.00 Optional – Group Cycle ride to MK Gallery for ‘A Safe Place for Women’ event at 5.30pm