A new mobile application has been introduced to assist individuals in finding the „safest“ walking routes, taking into account various factors such as street lighting, CCTV coverage, and crime statistics.
The Safest Way app is currently available in York, London, and Northern Ireland, with plans for further expansion throughout the UK. This application is free to use and does not require any registration, receiving partial funding from Ordnance Survey.
Alesja Gilvear, one of the app’s co-founders, expressed that the technology is designed to instill confidence and reassurance in users during their nighttime outings. She recounted the inspiration behind the app, which stemmed from a personal experience at a concert with a friend.
„We used one of the regular navigation apps to find our way from the car park to the venue, and we noticed that some streets were completely unlit,“ Gilvear explained. „I mentioned that lighting infrastructure is publicly available data, so why can’t an app indicate that a route lacks sufficient lighting?“
Gilvear’s friend playfully suggested she create such an app, leading to the development of the Safest Way app three years later.
User Experiences and Feedback
Christina Moore, a resident of York, shared her initial impressions after downloading the app. She noted that it suggested alternative routes compared to her usual paths.
„York is a lovely city, but sometimes the anxiety about how I will get home can deter me from going out,“ said the 26-year-old. „I’ve had uncomfortable encounters with intoxicated individuals in town, which have made me feel unsafe.“
Sherrie Wood, affiliated with the Kyra Women’s Project in York, emphasized the importance of considering well-lit areas and avoiding potentially dangerous situations when walking home.
„We constantly assess whether it’s safe to pass by groups of intoxicated people or to navigate through alleys. There are dark passages and poorly lit areas that can be intimidating, especially at night,“ Wood stated. „This app is a fantastic initiative.“
Addressing Safety Concerns
A recent YouGov poll indicated that 88% of women feel unsafe walking alone at night. Gilvear acknowledged that the majority of their users are women, which she described as an „obvious“ trend.
„While safety is a concern for everyone, this app is particularly beneficial for those who wish to feel more secure while walking,“ Gilvear noted.
In 2024, an additional app aimed at reporting street harassment was launched in York and North Yorkshire. Jo Coles, the deputy mayor for policing, fire, and crime, remarked on the necessity of ensuring safety for all residents.
„The mayor and I are committed to making sure everyone in our region feels secure, but we recognize that women and girls often perceive public spaces as unsafe, and many incidents go unreported,“ Coles stated.
The Safest Way app represents a significant step towards enhancing personal safety for individuals navigating urban environments, particularly during nighttime hours.
Quellen: bbc.co.uk
