Hundreds take part in women’s safety rides, incidents reported in several cities

Hundreds of cyclists gathered in cities across the Netherlands during the overnight hours of Friday leading into Saturday to draw attention to women’s safety. The rides were largely peaceful, although minor incidents were reported in several locations. The latest Wij Eisen de Nacht Op rides took place a year after the group’s previous action, with participants cycling through cities including Amsterdam, Leeuwarden, Apeldoorn, Den Bosch, Middelburg, Zutphen and Deventer.

Organizers said scooter riders in Leeuwarden tried to provoke participants and that some motorists attempted to drive through the group. In Apeldoorn, a group of fat-bike riders briefly caused a disturbance, while participants in Den Bosch were heckled. No injuries were reported.

Around 150 people participated in the Amsterdam ride, including at least 25 men, according to activist group Dolle Mina. About 125 people joined in Leeuwarden, while Zutphen and Deventer attracted roughly 100 participants combined. The events in Den Bosch, Middelburg and Apeldoorn each drew around 50 people. As elsewhere, most of those taking part were women.

Cyclists made their way through the streets, ringing their bells and calling out slogans as they went. Signs held by participants included messages such as “The night belongs to us too,” “Not afraid, but angry,” and “Men, when will you finally see the light?”

The bike rides were launched after the death of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude, who was killed while returning home from a night out in Amsterdam. Her death prompted widespread concern about women’s safety on the streets. Participants in similar rides held last year were harassed at several locations.

The organizers say women’s safety has received more attention over the past year, but stress that “there is still a lot of work to be done.”