A London council issued an apology following criticism over a report suggesting that e-bikes could assist women in maintaining their appearance and fulfilling traditional household duties. The Liberal Democrat-led Kingston Council faced backlash for language used in an equality impact assessment related to electric bike rental contracts. The report indicated that e-bikes might enhance women’s access to cycling and physical activity by simplifying the completion of their traditional domestic tasks, potentially aiding them in maintaining a polished appearance while cycling. This sparked outrage among residents, with one condemning the council’s perceived sexist messaging.
The council’s statement in the report also highlighted the positive impact of e-bikes in challenging sexism within the cycling industry, promoting inclusivity for women in bike retail and repair settings, and boosting women’s confidence and sense of entitlement on the roads. Local residents expressed their discontent on social media platforms, with one individual describing the situation as a “sexist horror” perpetuated by Kingston Council.
Subsequently, the council issued an apology for the wording in the report, acknowledging the error and any offense caused. They emphasized their commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and protecting the rights of all women and girls. The revised report now underscores the potential of e-bikes to encourage active travel among women and the broader population by facilitating tasks like carrying goods or shopping and enabling more complex trip planning often encountered by individuals with caregiving responsibilities. The Mirror sought comment from Kingston Council regarding the matter.