London Cycling Campaign

Chaining up your bike

This is the second time this has happened to me. Last night, on leaving work late, I found someone had chained my bike up along with theirs. Fortunately, it was only through the rear rack so I was able to remove that, leave it chained up and cycle off although it was awkward with a hard shell pannier. Do you think I would have been justified, morally if not legally, in trying to cut the other cyclists chain or perhaps putting my chain around their bike? Do you double check when you chain your bike up?

Sadly we've heard reports of thieves doing this, so they can come back later with the right tools to steal your bike, which is trapped there.

Of course, there are bound to be accidental lockings too, but we wouldn't take any chances.

Phone a bike shop, and tell them your predicament. Many will have the tools to remove a lock as long as you have ID, and can show the bike is yours.