A female cyclist in Cardiff has spoken out after confronting a driver who allegedly made lewd comments about her appearance. Nanw Beard, 30, said the man pulled up alongside her on Penarth Road and told her her 'backside was going to cause an accident'. She described the incident as part of a 'constant barrage of street harassment' she faces while cycling alone.
Ms Beard said just hours earlier another man had made explicit sexual remarks to her. She decided to film the confrontation and challenge the driver, saying it made her feel 'empowered'. The man denied the allegations in the footage, but Ms Beard said she felt compelled to act after years of enduring such behaviour.
A survey by Sustrans Cymru found that 77% of women in Welsh cities believe safety improvements are needed for cycling. The charity's director, Christine Boston, praised Ms Beard for speaking out, stating that all women have the 'right to freedom of movement without unwanted attention'. She warned that catcalling could deter women from cycling permanently.
Gwenda Owen of Cycling UK noted that both male and female cyclists face abuse on the roads, but said men often feel emboldened by being in cars. She called on bystanders to challenge such behaviour, whether on the street or in social settings. Ms Beard added that she will no longer accept harassment as 'normal' and urged others to speak up.
