The problem with Strava messaging is not Strava messaging, it's an environment where women don't feel safe exercising alone or existing online

Strava is looking at a Pandora's box response to its addition of DMs, but this isn't an issue for one app to solve

woman in cycling kit checks phone
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Earlier this week, Strava - the social media platform for cyclists and runners - introduced messaging to its app. Whilst the ability to send direct messages to ride buddies within a mostly free ride sharing platform came as a welcome addition to some users, a portion of the active population was not pleased. That portion was overwhelmingly female, and almost unanimously concerned about safety. 

As Gemma Abbott wrote for The Independent, the only type of runner who would benefit from this feature - she felt - would be “predatory men”.

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