25% of London’s population are cyclists. Of the remainder, only 15% are attempting to cycle. One of the biggest barriers, just below road safety and fear of injury, is fear of bike theft. Every year 18,500 thefts are reported to the police, but the real figure is estimated to be nearer 70,000 and that doesn’t include burglaries from homes and sheds. Of the people who have bikes stolen, 62% stop cycling or cycle less often.
Availability of secure storage also contributes to reducing cycle theft. More than 3,000 secure cycle hangars (each with capacity for six bikes) have been installed on London streets with London’s Mayor committed to delivering a further 2,000. LCC also wants the Mayor to deliver the 36,000 on-street cycle parking spaces (2 spaces per hoop-type bike stand) that his Cycle Parking Implementation Plan said were needed immediately.
“Cycle theft and fear of theft stop people cycling which undermines the work of both LCC and the London mayor to promote cycle use and reduce car dependency. Working with a leading lock maker like ABUS will enable LCC to develop anti-theft strategies, improve enforcement and assist cycle owners in protecting their property” says Tom Fyans, Chief Executive, London Cycling Campaign.
Peter Romanov, Managing Director, ABUS UK Ltd, adds: “London isn’t just the capital of the UK, it is also sadly the capital of UK cycle crime. By joining forces with London Cycling Campaign, ABUS hopes to help support the continued growth of cycling in London and work to reduce bicycle theft – a win-win situation for the whole city.”
