The Safer Colchester Partnership has re-launched its Bike Wise campaign, encouraging people to keep their bikes secure and providing guidance on effective locks to purchase and secure parking.
The campaign, which first launched in 2014, will see police officers carry out audits of bicycles parked in the city centre, at Leisure World, the University and other areas. Cyclists will be informed on the quality of the lock they have used and how securely they have parked their bike, via a tag which will be placed on their bike. The tag will include suggestions on how they can improve security.
The Bike Wise initiative will also promote the recently opened Colchester Secure Bike Park which provides cyclists with a secure space to park their bikes in the city centre for just £1 per day. In order to encourage use of the facility, a special offer will allow cyclists to use the Secure Bike Park for the whole month of January for a single payment of £1. In addition, cyclists are invited to use a bicycle marking and registration service, which is currently offered for free at Colchester Bike Kitchen, located conveniently next to the Secure Bike Park in Portal Precinct.
Sergeant Mark Thrower, from the Colchester Community Policing Team, said: “The inclusion of the Colchester Secure Bike Park adds a new dimension to our efforts in promoting bike security in the City Centre. This facility not only offers a secure parking option but also aligns seamlessly with our goal to educate and empower cyclists to protect their possessions.”
Andrea Luxford-Vaughan, portfolio holder for Sustainability at Colchester City Council, said: “The enhanced Bike Wise scheme is a key driver in making Colchester a safer and more secure city for cyclists. By ensuring that our community has access to secure bike parking, we are actively promoting cycling as a safe and sustainable choice for all. Our ultimate goal is to encourage more residents to choose cycling as their preferred mode of transportation for short journeys into the city centre, fostering a vibrant and sustainable urban environment.”
Residents are encouraged to register any bicycle thefts with the police and to join a community Facebook group which has been set up to help find lost or stolen bicycles in Colchester.
More information about the Bike Wise campaign can be found on the Safer Colchester Partnership website at www.safercolchester.co.uk/bikewise. To find out more about Colchester Secure Bike Park, please visit the Spokesafe website www.spokesafe.com/colchester-secure-bike-park
Page last reviewed: 11 January 2024