Kingston Council apologises after it published a statement and associated materials suggesting that electric bikes (e-bikes) could help women “look nice” and “perform their traditional domestic responsibilities.” Multiple outlets report that residents responded with backlash and criticism, including accusations that the messaging is sexist. The dispute is amplified through social media, where users question the framing of women’s roles and cite the council’s wording when calling for an apology. The Mirror and The Independent both describe the same core claim—that the council linked e-bikes to gendered domestic responsibilities and appearance-related benefits—and note that the council subsequently apologises. The Daily Mail similarly reports that residents reacted angrily on Facebook to the language used in the report. The coverage focuses on the council’s apology and the public concern over the gendered nature of the council’s communications, rather than on any changes to the e-bike programme itself.