We are responsible for removing bicycles from public areas if they are classed as abandoned. See Section 41 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 .
A bicycle is classified as abandoned if it meets one or more of the following:
A bicycle that is defined as unroadworthy will have two or more of the following defects:
Once a bicycle has been identified as potentially abandoned, we will secure a notice to the bicycle handlebar. This warns that if the bicycle is not removed by the owner within one month it will be removed by the council as abandoned. If there is anything about the bicycle that gives a clue to the identity of the owner, efforts will be made to contact the owner and advise them that their bike is about to be removed as abandoned.
If the bicycle has not been removed after one month it will be removed and donated to a bike charity or recycled as scrap metal. We do not sell abandoned bikes to members of the public.
Any queries about this service should be directed to: