For too many women and girls, running outside involves navigating the mental load of trying to stay safe. Now, a new $800,000 grant from the NSW government is set to gather crucial data into safety measures that influence female participation in sport.
The research will be aimed at informing future infrastructure projects such as better lighting in running hotspots, as well as other initiatives to improve women’s experience of sport and increase their participation.
Nearly half a million women and girls in NSW run or jog, and yet an overwhelming 94 per cent of women and girls 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 influencing where runners choose to run.
“The NSW Government is working to provide safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all women and girls to participate in sport,” said Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, speaking to the new funding.
“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.”
The new research will see Transport for NSW partner with the NSW Office of Sport and engage with key sporting organisations 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.
It’s 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, which was launched in 2022 with over $35 million invested by the NSW government.
“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,” said Dr Marjorie O’Nell, the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, adding that they “want to remove barriers to women’s participation in sport, building vibrant and inclusive cities.”
The Minister for Transport, John Graham said that since the pandemic, “it’s been amazing to see the increased popularity of running” but that “it’s a travesty that safety holds women runners back”.
“That’s why we’re doing more to make women safer,” Graham said. “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said that “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.”