Overview
- An equality impact assessment annexed to a report on expanding Kingston’s e‑bike scheme included a line saying e‑bikes could help women “stay looking ‘nice’,” which drew immediate criticism.
- Local residents posted complaints on social media and one formally raised the issue with the council, prompting an internal investigation and public attention from national outlets.
- The council said the phrase was a direct quote from a 2021 peer‑reviewed academic paper, apologised for using it in isolation, and republished the assessment with revised wording that refers to women and the wider population.
- Some complainants and residents said the updated language still framed women in assumed caring roles and fell short of a fully evidence‑based, balanced equality appraisal.
- Equality impact assessments are meant to identify how policies affect protected groups, so the council’s promised review could change how local authorities cite research and check wording in future transport and active‑travel documents.