#CycleToWorkDay – tips to keep bikes safe

Cycle to Work Day

Returns on Thursday 6th August 2020 with a twist. In recognition of the unique times we’re in, and the lack of a formal workplace for many, Cycle to Work Day is adapting. For 2020, it’s simple – people are being asked to cycle for a reason personal to them.

So, no matter what the state of your current commute is, you can get involved. Whether it’s early morning, afternoon or after work. Perhaps it’s making time for a quick lunch-break bike ride? Leaving the car at home for your trip to the shop? Or even a socially distanced cycle with family and friends. If you’re planning a journey of any kind on Thursday 6 August 2020, get on your bike!

However, whilst enjoying Cycle to Work Day, it is important to remember security. There are around 300,000 bikes stolen across the UK each year, with 60% of all bike thefts occurring when the owner hasn’t secured their bike, either forgetting to or believing that it was safe. While large quantities of believed to be stolen bikes are recovered each year, the police are often unable to return them or prosecute offenders as the owners of the bikes cannot be traced.

Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, have put together tips to help owners keep their bikes safe and secure, at work, at home or when travelling. The dedicated webpage - https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/bike-security - includes tips around registering bikes on appropriate databases, security marking and the type of locks which should be used to deter opportunistic thieves, as well as listing SBD member companies who have bike security products which have achieved Police Preferred Specification standard.

https://www.securedbydesign.com/images/news/SBD_BIKE_SECURITY_LEAFLET.pdf

SBD work closely with standards and certification bodies to ensure that their publicly available standards actually meet the needs of the police and public alike and is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK.

Products must be subject to rigorous testing and additionally be fully certificated by an independent, third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) before being allowed to carry the SBD logo. Third-party certification ensures products not only meet stringent security standards, but continue to be manufactured to a consistent quality through regular audit checks.

Founded by Cyclescheme, Cycle to Work Day is the UK’s biggest one-day commuting event. Since 2012, Cycle to Work Day has been helping workers have that ‘light bulb’ moment – the realisation that commuting shouldn’t be costly, congested and stressful. The event provides a reason to try cycling and get a taste of the associated health, wealth and wellbeing benefits. Cycle to Work Day celebrates and recognises all types of riders – new, returning and the experienced.