Stalking on exercise apps: Women cyclists and runners speak out about safety concerns

A growing number of women cyclists and runners are reporting incidents of stalking and harassment on popular exercise apps, highlighting concerns about safety and privacy.

Bianca Pickett, a 51-year-old IT worker, recounted a recent incident on an International Women's Day ride in Melbourne's north-east, where a group of women cyclists were stalked by a man who had been messaging one of them on Strava, a GPS-based fitness app.

“Amy said, 'Oh my god, this man has been messaging me on Strava for a couple of weeks; he just said he saw me on the road, and he's going to come and say hi,'” Pickett said.

Pickett asked Amy for the man's name and was alarmed to discover he was known for predatory behavior towards younger women.

“He ingratiates himself to younger women,” Pickett said. “He tries to isolate them, so he sends them messages, then tries to go on a ride with you, then befriends you. I hate to think what else has happened.”

The incident highlights the risks associated with exercise apps that allow users to track and message each other.

Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, an organization supporting people affected by sexual, domestic, or family violence, said developers must take responsibility for addressing cyber stalking.

“Too often, staying safe on these apps depends on people finding and changing settings they may not know exist,” she said. “This puts the burden in the wrong place — the harm comes from design choices and companies are the ones who should fix them.”

In response to concerns, Strava has stated that it takes the safety and privacy of its community seriously, with adjustable privacy controls and a team that proactively monitors for violations.

Melanie Caple, a 38-year-old app developer and runner, has designed an app called SoloRunClubxx, which allows users to track their workouts without sharing their location.

“Running is the one thing that has meant I kind of feel OK in and about the world,” she said. “I wanted to work out a way that, if something was going to happen to me on a run, in that worst case scenario, someone would know without me having to sacrifice my privacy and freedom.”

Bevan emphasized that technology companies must “keep pace with the law” and design location technology that cannot be easily turned into a tool of surveillance and control.

“Everyone deserves freedom” while exercising, she said. “I want what every runner wants: to run in peace, to run how I want, when I want, without looking over my shoulder.”