parking in central london

cntl

I will have to go to Central London (first time on the bike ) this month. I'd like to cycle the 30 or so miles. The problem is that in the area I am going to, there are is no cycle parking, at least not at the undergraund stations, which I guess are the usual places cyclist lock their bikes at(???) Anyway, I was thinking that I could just lock the bike to some street lamp, iron fence at one of the consulates on that street or the like(?) :? This is where I am going:

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x ... search.srf

EDIT: Actually, it looks like a 70 miles round trip--will be fun 8) I will set off from Knaphill, near Woking, go through Adelstone, Weybridge, Easher, Kingston, Putney and then West End.

xcracer

The are signs warning you against chaining your bike to the railings (will be removed and blown-up etc) on most of the buildings round there. There are proper things to chain your bike to on Portland Place and maybe on some of the side roads too.

If you go to the Westminster Council website it has a searchable map of all the cycle stands in the borough.

cntl

>>If you go to the Westminster Council website it has a searchable map of all the cycle stands in the borough.

Thanks xcracer, I've never cycled to Central London :oops: and certainly do not want my bike removed or blown up :shock: I am a bit paranoid though about my bike getting stolen... Hope it's just my paranoia.

richardast

Most of the mainline railway stations in town provide some reasonable bike storage - largely in busy areas with lots of CCTV and police too.
I'd use 2 locks minimum. Paranoia is your friend - it prevents you becoming a victim.

xcracer

I parked my bike in the West End twice this week and I still have it! On one occaision I forgot to take the lights off too and they were still there when I got back.

Remember to use a good quality lock (or preferably two), lock it through the frame and leave the bike in a busy well-lit area. Secure any loose items (eg. your wheels) with an extension cable or a cable lock.

If you are really worried then Finsbury Park station has a secure bike park where you pay to park your bike in a big metal cage and they have a security guard. Wow!

Totalnewbie

There is an underground car park with space for bikes near there, it is next to where I work. On that map it is where the P is (Queen Anne st and Chandos, entrance is on Chandos).

I think it might be slightly more secure than the street, but have never used it myself.

Pat920

Also the "P" on Clipstone St (NE of where you are) advertises secure bicycle parking. I've not used it, though.

hamboman

I work just off portland street, dont worry, you can chain your steed up to any old railing or post around there - I always do.

Totalnewbie

We must work very close together hamboman.

Not *quite* any old railing, some companies get very cross if you do, including mine (I tried it before I'd got my paws on a key for our garage, as I can see the railings from where I sit, and got told Absolutely No Way)

cntl

Thank you very much, all the info is REALLY helfpul.