New research by the Clean Cities Campaign has found that on average around 20,000 bikes are reported stolen each year across London of which more than 500 thefts occur in Ealing.
In this year from January 2023 to July 2023, 9,228 bikes were reported stolen across the capital, with Ealing accounting for 219 stolen bikes and cyclists in London are saying there is not enough secure places to store their bikes.
According to Clean Cities Campaign, the number of bike thefts is likely to be higher as victims of the crime are not reporting their bike stolen and estimates suggest as up to 71% of people are not reporting their bike being stolen.
One key finding from a previous campaign on what Londoners with bikes want is more secure storage.
The campaign is calling on boroughs across London including Ealing to offer more storage for cyclists to use. According to Transport for London, more than half of Londoners see a lack of cycle parking as a key deterrent to cycling.
Oliver Lord, head of UK at the Clean Cities Campaign said: “Last year our #ThisIsAwkward campaign highlighted the great lengths that people were forced to go to in order to keep their bikes safe at home, but with 20,000 bikes being stolen across the capital every year it is clear we need to double down and end the long wait for secure cycle spaces.”
Mr Lord added: “Our initial findings are that where residential storage has improved, we are seeing fewer bikes being stolen – but the pace of delivery is way too slow. We’re calling on Londoners to get in touch with their stories of cycle theft so we can apply more pressure and put an end to their stolen dreams.”
Richard Cantle, founder of Stolen Ride said: “Tackling bike theft requires collective action. Stolen Ride is pleased to back this campaign and help raise awareness of the desperate need for more secure cycle parking.”
To find out more about the campaign, click here.
