New research will help understand how we clear the biggest hurdle to female running – safety.
Nearly half a million women and girls participate in running or jogging in NSW, but recent data shows 94 per cent of women report that safety directly impacts their ability to participate in sport and their exercise habits. An initial pilot survey at the Nike After Dark Tour in April 2025 found that good lighting and visibility is the number one factor that influences where runners choose to run.
An $800,000 grant from the NSW Government will fill crucial information gaps in women’s running habits and what’s needed to improve their safety. The data will be used to inform future infrastructure projects such as better lighting at running hotspots and identify other initiatives to improve women’s experience of sport and increase their participation.
The new research will see Transport for NSW partner with the NSW Office of Sport and engage with key sporting organisation like Park Run, Sydney Marathon and City to Surf will help build a body of evidence around the factors that influence women’s participation in sport.
The new funding is part of a broader push to improve perceptions of safety in NSW, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people, funded by the Safer Cities program.
Since Safer Cities was launched in 2022, the NSW Government has invested over $35 million into the program, which has seen more than 460 physical interventions at over 80 locations across the state.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“It’s been amazing to see the increased popularity of running since the pandemic, but it’s a travesty that safety holds women runners back. That’s why we’re doing more to make women safer.
“Whether it’s heading out for a run or trying to get home after dark, everyone has the right to feel safe at all times of the day and night.
“This funding boost will deliver research and infrastructure to help women and girls feel safer as they move around their local areas.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Everyone should be and feel safe when they’re exercising around our great state.
“This is an important issue, which is shown by this significant funding, and the Office of Sport will work closely with Transport NSW and sporting organisations to make women, girls and gender diverse people feel more safe.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The NSW Government is working to provide safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all women and girls to participate in sport.
“This investment will help us better understand what improvements are needed to help women and others feel safe not only while running but participating in sport in their local communities.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:
“When women feel safe to stay out at night, it opens up opportunities for them to run after dark, join social sports teams, or head to their local gym after hours.
“We want to remove barriers to women’s participation in sport, building vibrant and inclusive cities.”
