Nearly 60% of women avoid certain areas, routes at night because they feel unsafe

Nearly 60 percent of women avoid certain areas or routes when walking at night because they feel unsafe. About 54 percent of women do not feel safe on the street. Among men, these figures are significantly lower: 33 percent of men don’t feel safe on the street, and about a third avoid routes in the dark, Arcadis reported after surveying 6,831 people for its Dutch Pedestrian Monitor.

During the day, the gender disparity is virtually non-existent. Approximately 13 percent of both women and men feel unsafe during the day. “The results show that a route that feels safe during the day can take on a completely different character in the dark,” said Dennis van Sluijs, a consultant at Arcadis for pedestrians and pedestrian flow.

“The fact that women avoid certain routes means that a lack of social safety genuinely impacts their freedom of movement. It is not just a matter of how people feel; it is also a question of whether they are able—and willing—to move independently through their own living environment,” Van Sluijs said.

When asked what needs to improve, the quality of footpaths topped the list. 43 percent of respondents listed this in their top three issues that require the highest priority. Safe crossing points (29 percent) and less interference from motorized traffic (27 percent) came in second and third place. Social safety and the reduction of physical obstacles were listed by about a quarter of respondents.

People who use mobility aids like a rollator, wheelchair, mobility scooter, cane, or guide dog are significantly more critical of the Dutch walking routes. 84 percent are negative about the width, evenness, and usability of footpaths. 81 percent encounter issues with obstacles, and 78 percent say footpaths are poorly maintained. Among respondents who do not use mobility aids, these figures are 53, 53, and 51 percent, respectively.

“A destination may be within walking distance, but that does not mean everyone can navigate the route safely and independently,” said Van Sluijs. “The quality of the route should therefore be considered just as important as the mere existence of a connection.”