How safe do you feel when you run?
We're genuinely asking. Because you shouldn't need courage to go for a run: it should feel safe – full stop. But for too many, it doesn’t.
From changing routes or skipping runs after dark, to being uncomfortable behind in run clubs, to harassment on the streets... safety (or lack of it) shapes how people – particularly women – run every single day.
That’s why we’ve created this survey. To gather the biggest picture yet of what’s really happening – not just in the UK, but worldwide.
If you run, this survey is for you – it's a place for you to share your experiences and help us make change. If you don’t always feel safe, we need your story. If you do, we want to hear from you too! Every voice counts – because together, we can change the culture of running.
Who and what is this safety survey for?
This survey is for all runners, worldwide – no matter your gender, pace, experience or postcode. That's right, we want men's voices too; this isn't just a 'women's problem', after all.
You don’t have to have a 'bad story' to take part. In fact, it’s just as important to hear from those who haven’t had problems; we want to understand why some people feel safe and others don’t.
We’ll use the responses to:
- Build tools runners actually want and need
- Shape BOLDLI’s platform and safety features
- Build a universal 'code of conduct' for run clubs that works
- Accredit and guide clubs through safety standards people want
- Identify key safety issues in both street running and running culture
- Back our campaigning and community training with real data
- Prove to decision-makers that the problem is real – and huge
What does our survey ask?
We've tried to make this survey as useful as possible, so it covers a lot – but should only take around 10 minutes max.
You'll see questions around:
- How safe you feel running alone
- Experiences with harassment or feeling unsafe
- Experiences of discrimination and racism in running
- Safety (or lack of) in running clubs, and what they could do to improve
- How easy it is to find a running club or social run
- What would actually help – from tools to training, infrastructure to education
- What BOLDLI should build, push for, and prioritise
You can stay completely anonymous, if you prefer.
Why does this running safety survey matter?
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92% of women don’t feel safe when they run. Adidas, With Women We Run
That’s basically every woman you know who runs. Safety isn’t a side issue – it’s the biggest barrier holding people back. Running should be freeing, not frightening. This survey is about putting that number under a spotlight; and forcing the change it demands.
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50% of people would like to run with a group – but 43% of runners can’t find one. England Athletics, RunTogether
Half of us want company. Nearly half can’t find it. And even when runners do join clubs, too many say safety and culture push them away. We need to know why.
Is it access? Is it exclusion? Is it trust? Your answers will help us map what’s missing – and build what’s needed. -
In the UK, women are 160% more likely than men to cite a lack of safe spaces as a barrier to exercise. Strava, Year In Sport
That means women are more than twice as likely than men to see safety as a barrier... but globally, the gap is just 9%. So – what the hell are we doing in the UK for the gap to be so massive? And what are other countries doing better? Well... you tell us. In the survey, please.
Be part of something better.
We can’t fix what we don’t talk about.
We can’t build what we don’t understand.
And we can’t run safe if we’re running silent.