New research from the This Girl Can campaign reveals that 54 per cent of women in London feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark. Concerns about harassment and intimidation are forcing many women to change their fitness routines, with a London running club planning additional group sessions to help women exercise safely during winter.
More than half of women in London feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark, according to new research highlighting how concerns about personal safety are restricting women's freedom to stay active during the winter months.
The findings, released as part of This Girl Can's Let's Lift the Curfew campaign, suggest that darker evenings are creating what campaigners describe as a "hidden curfew" for women.
Research found that 54 per cent of women in London feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark, compared with just 30 per cent of men.
Meanwhile, 69 per cent of women in the capital expressed concerns about sexual harassment or intimidation.
Campaigners warn that the clocks going back can lead women to change their exercise routines, avoid going out alone or stop outdoor activities altogether.
Women changing routines because of safety fears
National findings from the campaign reveal the extent to which women are adapting their lifestyles during autumn and winter.
Among women who change their outdoor exercise habits, one in three choose to exercise earlier in the day to make the most of daylight.
Almost a quarter, 24 per cent, avoid exercising alone, while 11 per cent stop exercising outdoors entirely after dark.
The research also found that 61 per cent of women believe personal safety concerns can present a greater barrier to outdoor exercise than poor weather, limited time or lack of motivation.
Campaigners say these findings demonstrate that women's participation in physical activity is being affected by concerns extending beyond fitness itself.
London running club takes action
Jenny Mannion, 33, founder of women's running club Runners and Stunners, says she regularly hears accounts of women experiencing harassment while exercising.
Her club, which usually organises free Saturday runs across Central and South West London, is planning to introduce midweek sessions from January 2027 to help women train together during darker evenings.
Mannion, who has completed the London Marathon twice, explained that winter training can be particularly difficult for women balancing employment and exercise.
She described arranging her own training around daylight hours or finding friends to accompany her.
Despite being an experienced runner, she said she rarely chooses to run alone after dark because of safety concerns.
Mannion believes the problem extends beyond the winter months, pointing to accounts of women experiencing harassment even during daylight hours.
Running coach describes extra precautions
Ana Hancock, a running coach who works with community organisation GoodGym in Wandsworth and Hounslow, says the change in daylight hours immediately affects how she plans her exercise.
She explained that she avoids certain routes, informs others of her whereabouts and ensures her phone is fully charged.
Hancock said these precautions create an additional mental burden for women who simply want to enjoy physical activity.
She believes initiatives such as Let's Lift the Curfew are important because they highlight the everyday safety concerns women experience.
The campaign aims to encourage wider awareness and action to make outdoor exercise more accessible.
Campaigners warn of growing concerns
Kate Dale, director of marketing for This Girl Can, says women's concerns about harassment and intimidation have increased compared with three years ago.
She warned that many women feel their opportunities for exercise become more restricted when the clocks go back.
The campaign also highlights concerns about the influence of online misogyny on women's perceptions of personal safety.
Dale said understanding women's experiences is essential to addressing barriers that prevent them from enjoying exercise.
Encouraging women to stay active
Runners and Stunners is among the community groups attempting to provide more opportunities for women to exercise together.
The club's Saturday sessions are free, with information available through its Instagram and Strava communities.
Its planned midweek sessions from January aim to provide additional support for women who want to maintain their running routines during winter.
The wider Let's Lift the Curfew campaign is calling attention to the changes needed to help women feel safer and more confident exercising outdoors.
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