Kingston Council in London issued an apology following strong criticism from residents over a report that suggested e-bikes could assist women in maintaining their appearance and fulfilling traditional household duties. The Liberal Democrat-led council faced backlash for the wording used in an equality impact assessment related to electric bike rental contracts. The report indicated that e-bikes could enhance women’s access to cycling and physical activity by simplifying their ability to manage traditional domestic responsibilities.
The report’s language also suggested that e-bikes could help women appear presentable while cycling, triggering a significant negative response from a resident who denounced the council’s stance as sexist. Furthermore, the council’s statement highlighted the positive impact of e-bikes in promoting inclusivity for women in cycling, challenging gender biases in bike design and marketing, and enhancing women’s confidence on the road.
Local residents expressed their discontent on social media platforms, including Facebook, with one individual labeling the report as a “sexist horror.” In response to the mounting criticism, Kingston Council issued an apology for the offensive language used in the initial report, emphasizing their commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of women’s rights.
The revised report now emphasizes that e-bikes can encourage active travel among women and the wider population by enabling tasks such as carrying goods or shopping, as well as facilitating more complex trip planning for those with caregiving responsibilities. The council has updated the wording to align with their values of equality and inclusivity. The Mirror has sought comment from Kingston Council regarding the matter.