As we explained last week, at the same time that biking can be incredibly empowering, we’ve also learned from the DC community that many women experience public sexual harassment while cycling. According to a study by Stop Street Harassment, 24 percent of women refrain from exercising outdoors in order to avoid public sexual harassment and assault. It’s a problem […]
Location: Capital Crescent Trail Time: Daytime (9:30am-3:30pm) I haven’t been assaulted (lucky me!), but every time I walk or ride my bike on the Capital Crescent Trail, I feel afraid that might happen. So many people seem to blame female victims of sexual or other assault, and I just don’t get how anyone can be that stupid. […]
Location: H & Massachusetts NW to H & North Capitol St. Time: Day Time (9:30am-3:30pm) I’m wearing a long, flowing skirt today, so when I was on the bike I had the hem gathered up and tucked into my waistband so that it wouldn’t get tangled up in the bike. This also happened to leave my legs […]
For those who don’t know, let’s be clear: It is hard to report the crime of groping to police. You know why? Because many victims of groping may internalize the crime as petty and not as big a deal as other physical assaults. Another reason why? Well, because there is a theme in our communities […]
Location: K Street NW between 6th and 5th Street (Mt Vernon/Convention Center) Time: Evening Rush Hour (3:30pm-7:30pm) I was walking to the Safeway at 5th and L Street NW and a biker came up behind me (I could hear the bike, so I moved slightly to the right of the side walk to let it pass) and […]