Being a woman walking on the street at night, especially on your own, is still scary. No matter that we live in an age of progressiveness and equal rights, of post #MeToo vigilance: the threat of violence by men against women under cover of darkness remains elemental and real.

Lights on a quiet street are essential to mitigating this, and that includes in the middle of the night, when women are likely to need such illumination most; when, possibly after a party, they are more vulnerable; drunk, tired, or just very much alone.