TII Study Highlights Urgent Need to Empower More Women to Cycle in Ireland

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has today published Empowering Women to Cycle, a new study examining the barriers preventing women in Ireland from choosing cycling as an everyday mode of transport—and identifying practical steps to close the gender gap.

The research, based on international evidence and new insights from over 1,000 women in Ireland, highlights a significant imbalance in cycling participation. While men account for 3% of all trips made by bicycle, just 1.3% of women’s trips are by bike, with the gap evident from adolescence and continuing throughout life.

Helen Hughes, Director of Professional Services stated: “This study is a product of TII’s commitment to evidence-based decision making, research, and best practice it was developed and delivered under one of the TII Research Programmes titled TII Open Research Calls. I welcome this research and encourage its findings to be used to inform the continued development of Ireland’s transport networks.” 

Safety and Infrastructure Key Concerns

  • 49% of respondents cite unsafe roads
  • 39% point to high traffic speeds and volume
  • 54% say safer roads would encourage them to cycle more

The need for improved infrastructure is clear, with women in the study calling for segregated cycle lanes, better connectivity, and well-lit routes to support safer, more accessible journeys.

Travel Patterns and Everyday Realities

Women’s travel needs differ significantly from men’s. They are more likely to combine multiple journeys—such as commuting, shopping, and childcare—in a single trip. With 84% of childcare responsibilities primarily carried out by women, these “trip-chaining” patterns often make cycling less practical. Additional barriers include carrying loads, lack of cycle parking, and time constraints. While 55% of women can cycle and have access to a bike, many lack confidence, and safer conditions are needed to enable everyday use.

Cultural Barriers Persist

Beyond infrastructure, cultural perceptions also play a major role. Nearly half (45%) of women believe cycling has a negative image in Ireland, and many do not identify as “cyclists,” viewing cycling as male-dominated and sport-focused. A lack of visible female role models and under representation of women in transport planning further reinforce these challenges.

Rachel Cahil, Director of Executive Office stated: “The research provides key insights, and an understanding of the barriers women experience when travelling in addition to recommendations for unlocking cycling as a modal choice for more women in Ireland. It builds on previous TII research Travelling in a Women’s Shoes.” 

Clear Path Forward

The report highlights strong potential for change, with many women recognising cycling’s health and wellbeing benefits and expressing interest in cycling more if conditions improve. TII recommends a holistic approach including:

  • Designing cycling infrastructure with women’s needs in mind
  • Improving road safety through reduced speeds and traffic volumes
  • Delivering connected, accessible cycling networks
  • Promoting positive and inclusive cycling culture
  • Increasing female representation in transport decision-making

Unlocking Opportunity

The study concludes that empowering more women to cycle will require both physical and cultural change, extending beyond transport policy into broader societal shifts.

Increasing women’s participation in cycling represents a significant opportunity to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities across Ireland.

Lorcan O’Connor, CEO, TII stated: “This research will inform transport policy and investment decisions by providing evidence that reflects how people travel in their everyday lives. By addressing the factors that influence women’s participation in cycling, it can be applied to support national objectives on road safety, climate action and transport accessibility helping to ensure that public investment delivers sustainable and equitable outcomes.”

For more information, click here.

Contact: sustainability@tii.ie 

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Date Published - 14.05.2026