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.
