Milton Keynes leaders and residents to tackle the 'Gender Pedal Gap' at city-wide Cycling Summit.
Residents, schools, businesses and city leaders will come together next Thursday (Oct 15) for the MK Cycling Summit 2026, a day dedicated to making Milton Keynes' famous Redway network work for everyone, and closing the city's "Gender Pedal Gap."
Milton Keynes was built with one of the most extensive dedicated cycling networks of any UK city. Yet current estimates suggest only around 23% of regular cyclists in Milton Keynes are women.
Organised by Cycling Citizens MK (CCMK) and hosted by The Open University, the summit will bring residents, schools, cycling groups and businesses face to face with the city's decisionmakers, including council leaders, transport chiefs and Thames Valley Police, to agree clear, practical steps forward.
"Milton Keynes has incredible potential with its unique Redway network,” said Ann Shrimpton, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK. “But to unlock its full benefits, our cycling infrastructure must feel safe, connected and inclusive for everyone, especially women, girls and young families."
The day's keynote address will be delivered by Susannah Walker, co-founder of Make Space for Girls, who will explore why designing streets and public spaces around women's and girls' safety and everyday journeys benefits the whole community.
"This summit is about bringing real community experience together with key decision-makers to agree clear, practical actions," said Simon Rudiger, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK.
The day will include a commuter "Bike Bus" ride from Station Square, free bike safety checks from Dr Bike, research presentations from The Open University and University of the West of England, and performances from a local school choir.
In the afternoon, CCMK alliance members will present specific, evidence-based requests to city leaders and ask for public commitments in response.
The Cycling Summit will run from 9.30am – 3.30pm (Bike Bus departs Station Square at 8.30am) at The Ou's The Hub Theatre.
