There are no emergency exits on your walk home at night.
Violent crimes are the most common offences impacting women at night, with notable discrepancies across London's boroughs.
A survey by London TravelWatch revealed that one in five LGBTQ+ individuals experienced hate crimes on public transport in the past year
Over a third of women reported changing their routes at night to avoid walking home, indicating a direct response to safety concerns.
And it always seems like public safety is the last thing on the budget plan
That’s why Forest introduces the Everard Ride, a community-driven initiative designed to provide safe, accessible, and reliable late-night transport for vulnerable individuals in London. A service that acknowledges the reality of personal safety concerns and offers a practical, immediate solution.
How It Works
Registration System for At-Risk Users
Eligible individuals - women, LGBTQ+, POC, and disabled individuals would be able to register for a Everard Ride pass through an app or website. Verification can be done through ID, student status, or a community organization to prevent misuse.
2. Special Emergency Unlock Key
Once registered, users receive one free bike unlock per week during high-risk hours (8 PM - 7 AM). The unlock can be activated via:
App (if their phone is charged)
Pre-issued NFC card/key fob (for phone-less access)
Emergency SMS command (in case of no data or battery)
3. Flexible Drop-Off Zones
Unlike regular bike rentals, Everard Ride allows users to park their bikes anywhere safe, without the need for designated docking stations. Additionally, Safe Drop Zones will be identified near high-traffic areas such as train stations, universities, and residential neighbourhoods to ensure safer arrival points.
4. Security & Accountability Features
Auto-alert system: If opted in, a trusted contact will be notified when a bike is unlocked (e.g., “Ana just unlocked an Everard Ride bike near Brixton at 11:42 PM”).
