Cycle facilities improved at Clacton On Sea station

A new secure cycle compound has been installed at Clacton On Sea rail station, by train operator, Greater Anglia, to increase cycle parking capacity and offer improved and more secure storage to cyclists.

In a special event to promote the new compound and advise cyclists on cycle security, Greater Anglia station managers and officers from the British Transport Police will be on hand at the station to provide information and offer free security marking to cyclists from 3.30pm – 7pm on Friday 27th September.

Sergeant Phil Closs, from BTP, said: “It’s important cyclists have their bike correctly marked, why is why we are hosting this cycle surgery.

“During the session, our officers will also be offering advice to bike owners on how to correctly leave their cycle locked up, using two sturdily locks where appropriate.

“We will be on hand, giving commuters crime prevention advice and leaflets advising of the best and most efficient way to lock up their bike.

“We will also be security marking cycles for free, and registering them on the crime-fighting database, which can help police recover property if you do become a victim of crime.”

Greater Anglia’s new secure cycle compound will create an additional 60 cycle spaces at the station, increasing the station’s total cycle parking capacity to 140 and will offer safe and secure parking with access via a key fob system which is provided to cyclists for a small charge.

Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia’s Customer Services Director said: “We are committed to improving cycle facilities for our customers, by installing many more cycle parking spaces and increasing cycle hire opportunities. We are proud to be in the vanguard of train operators pioneering schemes such as PlusBike and building new, state-of-the-art CyclePoints for our customers. The new facilities at Clacton On Sea will offer customers an improved and more secure cycle storage facility.”

Since the franchise began in February 2012, Greater Anglia has implemented a wide variety of cycle-focused enhancements including upgrades to existing facilities, creating a new cycle strategy and making arrangements for special cycling events.

Measures already in place include an increase in cycle parking across the network bringing the total number of cycle spaces at Greater Anglia stations to 6,000, with schemes across Essex.

ADVICE FOR KEEPING YOUR BIKE SAFE AND SECURE:

Bicycles are a popular target for thieves. Here are some simple tips to ensure your cycle remains secure:

• Always lock your bicycle whenever you leave it at a designated cycle rack area. Lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand
• Consider using more than one lock to secure your bike and ensure that you use a recognised security standard lock. D-locks, extension cable or heavy chain locks are certified locking mechanisms. It is important to ensure that yours are up to date
• Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked by ensuring little room between the stand and the bike
• Do not allow your lock(s) to come into contact with the ground, where they are viewed as more vulnerable.
• Take a photograph of your bike and record your frame number and key details. This will be crucial in recovering your bike if it is stolen
• Mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations, one of which should be hidden. Attach a ‘Coded Cycle’ label to reduce the risk of making your bike a target for theft
• Do not ride with valuables in open baskets or panniers