There’s an interesting article in the Evening Standard about the number of bicycles stolen in London, currently about 70 a day. They did a test where they bought a bike and chained it up outside Kentish Town West Station on a Saturday afternoon and watched what happened. Within 30 minutes it was stolen.
With the cost of driving or taking public transport into London going up and up more people are choosing pedal power, but the number of stolen bikes is shooting up as well, the Standard says thefts have doubled in four years.
Transport for London suggests a number of things to do to protect your bike if you’re going to ride one in London regularly. Register the details of the bicycle model, make and frame number at Immoblise.com, this is free and helps the police find the owner if a bike is recovered.
Use more than one lock. The London Cycling Campaign website has a breakdown of the types of lock available and tips on how to use them, SoldSecure.com has a list of bicycle locks and suppliers. Bikeforall.net has information on gettting cycle insurance. Finally TfL offers advice on where and how to lock up your bike.
If you’re visiting London and have a bike with you, expect the worst and take the precautions. I remember a story from about a year ago where a guy who had cycled half way around the world had his bike stolen on his first day in the UK. Just keep thinking if its not nailed down someone will take it.
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