Bicycles that have been abandoned can take up cycle parking space and cause an obstruction to pedestrians and other bicycle users.
The council is responsible for removing bicycles from public areas if they are classed as abandoned. The City Rangers also work with Network Rail to deal with abandoned bicycles at Cambridge railway station.
Report an abandoned bicycle
To report an abandoned bicycle, email customer services at enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 458282, or email the City Rangers at cityrangers@cambridge.gov.uk.
Please provide details of the make, model, colour and any identifying features of the bicycle, as well as its location and reasons why you think the bicycle is abandoned.
Identifying an abandoned bicycle
A bicycle may be considered abandoned if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- it is secured in a dangerous position (eg blocking the public highway or a fire exit)
- it is secured to a cycle rack but is in an unroadworthy condition
- it is secured in an inappropriate place (eg street furniture) and is in an unroadworthy condition
- when it has not moved for a reasonable period of time (eg several weeks)
Unroadworthy bicycles
The following criteria are used to help determine if a bicycle is unroadworthy:
- flat tyre(s)
- missing tyre(s)
- missing wheel
- missing seat
- buckled wheel(s)
- bent forks
- seized or damaged brakes
- rusted chain or gears
- missing chain
How we deal with abandoned bicycles
All abandoned bicycle reports will be investigated. A sticker will be attached to the bicycle frame to warn that it appears to be abandoned and will be removed if not claimed by the owner.
If the bicycle remains unmoved after seven days and no owner comes forward, the City Rangers will impound the bicycle.
The bicycle will be held for two weeks to enable a claim to be made, after which time it will be recycled.
Claiming an abandoned bicycle
Anyone who believes that their bicycle has been removed by the council will be required to prove that the bicycle is theirs by providing a description (including colour, make, model and identifying features) and the location of where the bicycle was left.
Alternatively, you may have a release slip from either Cambridgeshire Police or the British Transport Police for the bicycle. This may be the case if your bicycle was stolen or if you have lost the keys for a cycle lock.
To claim an abandoned bicycle, email customer services at enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 458282. You will be required to make an appointment to collect the bicycle.
