Anyone who completes TfL’s (Transport for London) free online Cycle Skills course will receive 15pc off Halfords‘ own brand locks, lights and helmets.
Despite fewer journeys being made across the city overall, cycling is up by 20pc, says the transport body, and the Santander Cycles (run by TfL, pictured) use up by 20pc too. Similarly Halfords has reported a 60pc year-on-year increase in sales of new bikes since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Bike theft is being increasingly reported across the capital. Between April and September 2020, reports of bike theft almost trebled, as 3,079 cycles were reported stolen in September – up from 2,004 in September 2019; according to the Metropolitan Police Crime Data Dashboard, which can be accessed online.
TfL fears that many owners of new bikes aren’t aware of the latest advice or using quality locks to keep their bikes as secure as possible. An Opinium survey of 691 London bike owners commissioned by Halfords found that almost half – 47pc – have not marked or registered their bike. While seven in 10 respondents said they use a bike lock, only half (50.5pc) are using a more robust secure lock.
It can take thieves as little as a few seconds to cut through cheaper quality locks, the retailer warns; why pay hundreds of pounds for a cycle and only a few pounds for a lock that is not of like quality? Londoners are reminded to use two locks of gold ‘Sold Secure’ standard – ensuring one is a D-lock – to secure both the bike’s frame and wheels to a stand at recognised cycle parking. Where possible, parking should be well-lit and covered by CCTV. Londoners are also advised to use a DIY bike marking kit to get their bike registered to the BikeRegister secure online national database
Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing Operations and Security at TfL, said: ‘This year, we’ve seen thousands more people discover the health and environmental benefits of getting around London by bike. As cycling continues to boom in popularity, however, bike theft is unfortunately also on the rise. It’s therefore crucial for Londoners to do all they can to minimise the risk of their bike being stolen.
‘We’re encouraging Londoners to get their bikes visibly security marked and registered and to invest in a good quality lock to keep them safe. Our new collaboration with Halfords will ensure that bike locks are even more affordable to all those who complete our online Cycle Skills course.’
About the course
TfL says that it’s the first online course to cover getting your bike set up for your first ride, and tips for cycling safety with children or any group; and is tailored to cycling in London. Since it was launched in July, more than 1,400 people have completed the four modules. Visit https://cycle-skillsonline.tfl.gov.uk/.
