Derby Get Connected

Over ½ a million bikes get stolen in the UK each year – don’t let yours be one of them …

Before the off

Consider registering your bike with bikeregister.com so that the police can trace your bike back to you if they find it. To register your bike you’ll need to find your frame number, which is usually near the handlebars, below the seat post, by the pedals or towards the back wheel.

Insuring your bike may be worthwhile, too. Home insurance policies can often be extended to include your bike when it is at home and more valuable bikes can be insured separately to provide cover when you’re out and about. Don’t forget to take a photo of your bike and write down the frame number.

Keeping your bike safe

There are three simple ways of cutting the risk of bike theft:

1. A good lock

2. Make sure you use it correctly

3. Choosing the right place to lock it up

Some locks are stronger than others and price influences their quality, so it pays to invest in a good one. Remember that two locks are better than one. D-locks are sturdy, but consider using a cable lock as well to secure any parts of the bike which are quick release, such as the saddle or front wheel.

Secure the lock round the frame, spokes and bike stand, ensuring there is little room for manoeuvre to make it difficult for thieves to insert their tools.

Location, location, location

Where you lock your bike is critical. Leave it on a well-lit and busy street so any potential thieves are conspicuous. Avoid leaving your bike in the same spot every day and lock it to a bike stand or something immovable.

Make sure you take care of your bike when you get home too – according to the British Crime Survey, over two-thirds of bikes were stolen in or near the owner’s home in 2014. Always keep your bike locked up at home and try to keep it out of view.

Keeping accessories safe

It’s not just your bike that can go missing – many parts and accessories are also valuable and easy to steal. Follow these tips to keep them safe:

1. Always remove lights and panniers

2. Replace quick releases with regular bolts to make them more secure

3. If you have an expensive saddle, consider removing it or locking it up

4. Lock both wheels and the frame

If you regularly bike to Derby City Centre remember that Park Bikeworks on Full Street offer free and secure bike storage from 7:30 – 18:30 Monday – Friday, 08:30-17:30 on Saturday and 10:00 – 16:00 on Sunday.

Park Bikeworks

Registration is simple and it is free to leave your bike during the day with a £2 charge if you wish to keep it there overnight.

Park Bikeworks Deli Cafe

Park Bikeworks also offer bike servicing, physiotherapy, shower and changing facilities and a deli café where you can meet friends or rewind.

How can Connected  help?

At Connected we have the know-how, the tried and tested behaviour change methodology that really makes a difference, and the enthusiasm and experience to help make a difference. We work with a range of organisations in the Derby City area and see success stories all the time. Connected can offer a wide-range of FREE services, help and advice including Connected Roadshows at your workplace, help in creating a Travel Action Plan, Personal  Travel Planning, Grant applications to access funding opportunities,  information on local public transport services, adult cycle training and bike maintenance workshops and much more.

If you would like to join the Connected Network, or just have a chat about what we can offer, you can contact us now on 01332 641759 or email: info@derbyconnected.com

Launched in June 2013, alongside the City’s new Sustainable Transport Partnership, Connected  is Derby’s organisation for promoting sustainable transport in the city. It has been developed using Government funding received via the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), which Derby City Council is using to deliver projects that encourage people to cycle, walk and use public transport more.