A council in London has apologised after residents raged at a report that claimed e-bikes could help women “stay looking nice” and “perform their traditional domestic responsibilities”.
Liberal Democrat run Kingston Council was under fire after the shocking wording on an equality impact assessment for a report written up on electric bike rental contracts. The report said electric bikes “may increase women’s access to cycling and physical activity by making it easier for women to meet their traditional domestic responsibilities”.
It even claimed it could help women “stay looking ‘nice’ on a bike”. A huge backlash was sparked by a resident who raged at the language and slammed council for the alleged “sexist horror”.
View 3 ImagesThe council’s comments sparked huge backlash
The statement in Kingston Council’s report also said: “E-bikes are also challenging sexism in cycling in important ways; making bike retail and repair environments more inclusive for women, challenging sexism in bike design and marketing and increasing women’s sense of confidence and entitlement to occupy the road space.
“They are also opening up more empowering and enjoyable opportunities for physical activity to a wider group of women.”
Locals took to Facebook to complain about the wording and one, according to the Evening Standard, and one person wrote: “Kingston Council E-Bike sexist horror,” and “This is from the Equalities Impact Assessment for the move to increase to 500 ebikes across Kingston going to Place Committee. OMG. Weep, women of Kingston; weep!”
The council later apologised for “for this error and for any offence caused” by the initial report.
View 3 ImagesThe council’s comments were slammed as ‘sexist horror’
In a statement on it’s website, Kingston Council said: “This description does not align with the council’s commitments to fairness, inclusivity and protecting the rights of all women and girls. We would like to sincerely apologies for this error and for any offence caused.”
It added: “We would like to sincerely apologise for this error and for any offence caused. We are committed to fairness and equality of opportunity, working with communities and partners to ensure Kingston is a place where we celebrate diversity, tackle inequality and strive to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.”
The wording in the report has also been changed and now says: “E-bikes may increase active travel amongst women as well as the wider population by for example enabling carrying of goods or shopping and allowing more complex trip chaining that people with caring responsibilities may face more regularly.” The Mirror has reached out to Kingston Council for comment.