Can we discuss Lighting in cities?

Getting around a city by walking/cycling means cutting through parks/paths, being on footpaths, and being on dedicated infrastructure.

These places are not always well-lit at night, or lit at all. It seems like main roads are the only places that have standardized/adequite lighting. The planning rationale i've always thought existed was 'people should not loiter at night' and therefor parks/public spaces are not lit, but that makes them unviable for transport especially for women. It's backwards thinking. Should people really not be in public spaces at night?

What are your experiences in cities that have off-road lighting at night, and has a push for this ever ruined the ambiance in places?
Do famous cycling cities like in The Netherlands etc have good lighting at night for cycling/walking paths and in parks?
Should people really need expensive see (not be seen) lights to cycle at night?