I always walk down well lit streets at night with my keys grasped in my hands. My friends and I always call or message each other once we've reached home safely. We all have our strategies on how to feel space in public spaces. It has an impact on how I move throughout the world. I won't go for a run or walk in a space without good lighting, I won't get involved with activities where I can't guarantee my physical safety. It has all these little impositions that lead to huge impacts when you add them all together.
I won't use pedestrian or cycling tracks that do not have sufficient safety features such as good lighting and security cameras. It's just not worth the risk. I know rationally that statistically women are at greater danger in their own homes but every woman I know has their own story of harassment in public. I cannot be outside at night in exercise clothes, I just know that I will be cat-called on the street and I am sick of it.
