It is incredible that Chris Boardman's advice can be so straightforward and simple to female athletes while still being so crucial to males (Calling all men: this is what we can do to help women feel safe exercising in the dark, 30 October). For the two, working out alone, especially at night, is frequently a very different experience. I was in excellent physical shape and had a nice tailwind when I cycled through the Forth and Clyde Canal on one particular day last year. When I was about two feet away from a man who had been idly walking, he abruptly hurried up and began slipstreaming me. The canal was deserted, yet it was daytime.

I continued going for about 5 kilometers because I was afraid that he might be upset that I was passing him. However, after that, my stress started to affect my ability to exercise. Given that he was so near to me, I indicated that I was going to halt, sat down on a seat, and got some food. He too paused. “Thanks. He remarked, "I needed that, and then he inquired about the remainder of my cycle. While I was still reeling from the shock, I resisted engaging. This is the ideal illustration of how some guys are unaware of how threatening their behavior may be to women.

Dr. Kathy Dodworth
University of Edinburgh

We appreciate Chris Boardman's great and relevant article. Since the clocks had changed, I had to get myself out of the house to go for a run on Monday at 4 p.m. rather than 5 p.m., having just completed the wonderful Couch to 5K program. A run after work was not an option when I commuted at this time of year.

While I don't think I'll ever run a full marathon (I've only done half), I regret the London Marathon directors' decision to move it back to April next year because it will make it more difficult for women to train in the evenings. Boardman acknowledged that women worry about their safety when training for marathons. In light of this essay from reputable sportsmen, they may now reconsider their decision and move the London Marathon back to early October on a permanent basis starting in 2024, even if it may not be viable for 2023.

Alison Chubb
Charlton, London

The advice in the man's post surprised me by being both thought-provoking and helpful, at least for me. In the future, I'll take a different route to avoid upsetting women out exercising alone at night. Men who make derogatory remarks about them will be called out by me. I was astounded to read that he implied it was common for his children to walk about with hidden keys in their hands for protection. This was disheartening as a middle-aged man without children and adolescent nieces, but it gave me the motivation I needed to follow his instructions.

David Winter
Hove, East Sussex

Chris Boardman's efforts to help women feel as secure when working out after dark as most men do may, of course, be easily applied to daytime activities. Norwich's wonderful urban paths start in the center of the city and occasionally venture into the countryside. Many runners, walkers, and bikers utilize them.

Even in the sunshine, it's crucial that everyone, including this 73-year-old male cyclist, supports everyone else by adhering to Boardman's recommendations since certain sections are lonely. One little change is that I'm allowed to say "Hiya!" in response to anyone, male or female, who says "Hello," as many people do. ”

Frank Paice
Norwich

After visiting the Sarah Everard monument, I had a previously unheard-of talk with my 37-year-old daughter. My eyes were awakened to the everyday verbal abuse, groping, and harassment she and her friends endure at the hands of males. I was astounded, angry, and guilty that it had taken 37 years and the passing of a young woman for me to discover Chris Boardman's claims to be true.


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