A first-of-its-kind app to prevent street harassment has launched in Cardiff. The landmark app – called RouteBuddies – was developed by Jack Blundell, a 23-year-old Cardiff University alum-turned entrepreneur who got the idea after hearing concerning stories of street harassment all over social media.
Users of the free app will be able to meet with strangers and walk in groups of three or more to their chosen destination, with each user undergoing a strict background check upon signing up to maximise safety. Users can choose who they would prefer to meet over the app by inputting their preferences on gender and age, and set the app to different modes, including student and LGBTQ+ mode. By searching their home address, users are automatically paired with people in nearby locations. The app them sets a meet-up location and works out the safest route home for all.
Jack said: “I really hope RouteBuddies will contribute to making Cardiff a safer city. While at university I saw countless posts on Facebook from peers who had experienced street harassment. Some in particular were quite harrowing, and most followed a pattern of women being targeted.
“At one point there were three or more posts a day, so people began setting up groups and live sharing their locations to feel safer. I couldn’t help but think ‘people need physical safety now more than ever, so much more can be done’.”
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A study by UN Women UK found that 97% of 18 to 24-year-old women have been sexually harassed, but Jack says that the app’s chief aim is to help “keep people safe on the streets”.
Jack started developing the app using his own money in the final year of his computer science course, and successfully pitched the idea to Big Ideas Wales, a government scheme which supports young individuals in developing their business plans.
Jack’s business advisor Amanda Ataou said: “RouteBuddies is an inclusive and passionate business with a sole aim to make the streets a safer place for everyone. I have no doubt that this business will change the lives of so many young people across the country.”
So, what does the future look like for RouteBuddies? Jack revealed that he has plans to globalise the app, eventually seeing “every major city being covered” by RouteBuddies.
He added: “We want the app to facilitate a different kind of travel, one that competes with leading taxi apps, and we see room for its use in third world countries, especially.”
You can download the RouteBuddies app on the App Store or Google Play Store. To get Cardiff stories straight to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter here.
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