Written by: Mindy Smith
Safety tips for women and those who identify as women who run, hike, bike, or travel solo seem to be prolific these days. Trail Running Editor-in-Chief and Women’s Running Managing Editor, Zoe Rom, recently published an article about how it’s time for people to stop making it the woman’s responsibility to stay safe while outdoors, and we tend to agree. After reading Rom’s article, our team felt inclined to continue the conversation and offer up tips for everyone to create a safe outdoor experience for all people.



As runners, hikers, backpackers, cyclists, dog walkers, travelers, and general outdoor enthusiasts, members of the Darby Communications team can often be found exploring solo or just taking a moment to ourselves for a quiet walk on our local greenway to clear our mind midday. Unfortunately, each of us has a story of a time that someone made us feel unsafe and ruined our moment of solitude and outdoor enjoyment — and that is not okay.
Of course, we all understand that it is very important to be aware of our surroundings and take safety precautions when headed out for an adventure, especially if we’re solo. But we also think it is important for others to consider how they react when they meet someone on the trail, road, or wherever, and want to suggest six tips others can do to make sure women feel safer when going solo.
See something, say something!
If you encounter something suspect, off-putting, or dangerous:
- Let others you meet on a trail, greenway, etc. know what you saw if you think they could be in danger.
- Recently on a hike, another hiker alerted our group to a mama bear and her cubs he had passed about a tenth of a mile back. This allowed our group to talk louder as we hiked and to stay alert.
- Share with private forums/groups you’re a part of, in texts/calls, on Strava, through email, or on other public forums.
- Recently a man has been stalking women (including one of our staff members) in a local neighborhood near our offices and on the greenway, we all walk on daily. Our local Nextdoor forum and neighborhood Facebook group has been spreading the word to be on the lookout and sharing photos of the man so others can be aware when out for a walk.
- Alert local law enforcement when necessary.
- This doesn’t always have to be 911. If it isn’t an emergency, call your local non-emergency police number to alert them to what is happening so there is a record of events for the future.
Offer to be a buddy
Lend your physical presence to another human being so that “strength in numbers” allows everyone to enjoy time outdoors.
Let others know when you’re behind them or coming toward them
Tell the person(s) you’re coming towards them (from behind or in front) in a clear, loud tone, and continue to announce yourself until the person acknowledges your presence. Don’t assume that folks in groups don’t need your announcement — they do.
- We encourage you to announce yourself from the front too. A simple “hello” will do the job since often runners or hikers are “in the zone” and need alerts from all directions.
Wear bright clothing or reflective gear
It’s appreciated being able to see you from a distance, especially in the dark hours.
Under any circumstances, do not catcall, honk unnecessarily, or do anything similar to a person running, walking, or biking on the road
Many people will honk when passing a bike on the road. This honking when passing can often scare a cyclist, having the opposite effect and causing them to actually swerve into traffic.
Be observant and offer help if someone is being harassed
If you see someone being followed by another person, ask them if they know the person, and if they don’t, ask if they would like you to walk them to a safe space or call the police. Then offer to stay with them until the police arrive.
These are just a few tips our team suggests practicing when it comes to making others feel safer when solo adventuring outdoors. We’d love to hear any recommendations you suggest to help others feel safe in the woods, on the road, or when traveling. Comment below or let’s talk!