More Space To Park Your Bike At East Putney Tube

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after the British Transport Police removed 10 disused or vandalised bikes

Cyclists now have more room to secure their bike at East Putney Tube station after British Transport Police (BTP) officers removed disused and vandalised cycles from the bike racks.

Officers from the District and Circle Line South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were at the station on 21st April, to remove abandoned bikes that were forcing some cyclists to secure their bikes outside of the designated parking areas.

10 disused or vandalised cycles were removed in total. The officers were also on hand to distribute bike security leaflets and give advice to cyclists using the station.

PC Chris Millard pictured right said:

“It’s important for ease of passenger movement and security of the cycles that they are locked in designated parking areas. Recently this has become difficult at East Putney because several disused cycles that were missing wheels, handlebars, seats and other parts were taking up the designated parking space.  

“Station staff let us know that the number of abandoned bikes was becoming an issue, which is why we took the decision to remove them. We have now freed up valuable storage space and taken the opportunity to offer crime prevention advice to those who will be using it.”

As well as removing vandalised cycles, officers also removed some that could be considered rideable but had been abandoned and left to decay.

The cycles will be placed into storage at Hammersmith BTP station on Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, for a period of two weeks, during which time owners can come forward to claim them back. Cycles that remain unclaimed will be recycled locally or put up for auction.

Posters have also been displayed at the station informing people of the cycle clean-up.

PC Millard added:

“As well as taking up valuable bike parking space, abandoned bikes are an eyesore. Vandalised and derelict bikes can contribute to an atmosphere of decay that makes people feel unnecessarily fearful - the station has very low levels of crime.

“We hope that cyclists will find it easier to lock their bike in the designated area at the station and the station will generally look a bit cleaner following the removal of these eyesores.”

Anyone who thinks their cycle may have been removed and would like to reclaim it should contact the District and Circle Line South Neighbourhood Policing Team on 07850 232 469.

TIPS ON MAKING BIKES MORE SECURE:

• Get your bike tagged and register it at http://www.immobilise.com
• Ensure you have a solid lock
• Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked by ensuring little room between the stand and the bike.
• Always lock your bicycle through its frame, not just through the wheel
• Fix your bike to solid, immovable objects in recognised cycle storage areas
• Whenever possible, lock your bike in a busy, well-lit and CCTV-covered area

April 24, 2009