Make Sure It Doesn’t happen to you.

A few tips to reduce your machines vulnerability when you’re out and about.

1. Where
   Firstly choose the best place to park. If there is a proper secure motorcycle parking facility available then choose that first. If not, park in a well-lit area, where there is plenty of pedestrian traffic and in an area covered by CCTV. Thieves can be deterred from acting where they might be seen. If it’s somewhere you can see from your office window, even better.

2. Locks
   Locks act to deter as well as prevent theft. Get a lock that can secure your machine to something immovable, then it can’t just be picked up and taken away.
   Get the best quality you can afford and use it. It’s no good sat in the garage if you’ve taken the bike to work. A small tail pack on the pillion seat can help make this more convenient and some locks are designed to fit under seats or come with holders.
   Don’t leave your lock behind when you leave, it can be discreetly tampered with overnight so that your machine can be removed in seconds during the day.
   A lock will provide best protection when used off the ground, that way it’s more difficult for a thief to cut it or smash it. Your insurance company may give you a discount for certain locks.

3. Alarm/Immobilisers
   Consider getting a combined alarm and electronic immobiliser fitted professionally. They can act as useful deterrent to theft or highlight an attempted theft. Your insurance company may also give you a discount on your premiums.

4. Steering Lock
   Don’t forget to use this as well. The more things you do the better.

5. Kit
   Don't leave your helmet or other belongings on the bike.

6. Don’t get complacent.
   It’s easy to get lazy about locking your bike especially if you’re not stopping somewhere for long but it’s really not worth the risk.

   A few moments making sure it’s locked properly is better than the hassle of having it nicked. The more preventative measures you take, the less attractive your machine becomes to a thief.

More Info.
You can get more information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006.

For details of approved security features and devices visit Sold Secure (www.soldsecure.com) or Thatcham (www.thatcham.org).

For more general info visit www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk or your local motorcycle or scooter dealer.

Get Secure Parking
If there is no secure parking for motorcycles and scooters in your area and you would like the local authority to provide some, don’t be afraid to ask. Refer them to the Institute of Highways Incorporated Engineers new Best Practice document "Guidelines for Motorcycling" which is available from www.ihie.org.uk. This document contains information about how to site, design and fund good quality secure parking facilities.

Secure

Facilities to secure the motorcycle to, i.e. rails, ground anchors, hoops or units.

CCTV

Area covered by CCTV cameras.

Bike Area

Dedicated motorcycle bays or area.

Free

Facilities are free to motorcyclists.

24 Hrs

24 hour access to facilities.

To the best of our knowledge, the information provided by councils for this website was correct at time of posting.
NB: Any entries listed as: ‘No specific details given by council‘ mean that the council has stated that bike parking is available but not what kind, especially in the case of rural towns and villages.

Project Leader, The MAG Foundation: Neil Stevenson
Resource Officer, The MAG Foundation: Sarah Gardner
Treasurer, The MAG Foundation: Elaine Hardy
Design & Layout: John Mitchell, Stormbringer Design
Printing of Booklet: DDP Onestop UK Ltd, Leytonstone, London
Front cover photograph: Hounds Gate, Nottingham – Picture courtesy of Notts MAG
Web Page Editing: Stuart Regan

MCIA for the section entitled ‘Make sure it doesn't happen to you’, all of the councils that have provided information included in this booklet, MAG and BMF Regional Reps who have helped to gather additional information; Will Beeley of Motorcycleparking.com for the information on London facilities and all of our sponsors for helping us to make this booklet happen.