Cycle Parking
Cycle parking throughout Reading is shown on
the Reading Cycle
Network Map. The Council is committed to expanding cycle
parking facilities. New developments are required to provide cycle
parking as part of the planning process.
Lock It or Lose It
It is a sad fact that if you leave your bike unlocked it is
unlikely to be there when you return.
To Protect Your Bike From Theft
- Record and register your bike. Register the
model, make and frame number with the manufacturer. Take a colour
photograph of your bike and make a written record of its
description.
- Security mark your bike for example with your
post code, making sure the marking is clearly visible, is secure
and in two separate places.
- When buying a lock for your bike look for products that have
been tested against attack. Check out the Sold
Secure website below for certified locks or ask your
lock bike shop for a recommendation. There are many different
products on the market and price is not necessarily a reliable
indicator of quality. The most important factor is how long the
product can resist attack.
- Always lock your bike even if you are just leaving it
for a couple of minutes. Thieves are opportunists - don't
give them an opportunity.
- Lock your bike to an immovable object. Use a
proper bike rack/ground anchor or robust street furniture - for
example lamp posts or railings (but observe requests not to use
certain street furniture/railings). Remember that thieves can
remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts.
- Lock your bike through the frame and wheels.
Take smaller bike parts and accessories with you, for example
lights, pump, computer and quick-release saddles.
- Make the lock (and chain, if used) and bike
hard to manoeuvre when parked - to stop theives smashing the lock
open.
-
- Keep the lock away from the ground
- Keep the gap between the bike and the lock small
- Never leave the lock lying on the pavement - a lock can be
sledgehammered easily when it's resting on the ground.
- Locks can also be picked, so face the lock
towards the ground, but not resting on it, so it can't be easily
turned upwards for picking.
It may seem like there are lots of things to think about when
locking your bike but once you get into the habit you will be able
to lock your bike within seconds and it will be well worth the
trouble.