Abandoned bicycles

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 .

Classed as abandoned

A bicycle is classified as abandoned if it meets one or more of the following:

• it is secured in an inappropriate place (ie chained to street furniture or blocking the public highway). In these circumstances bicycles will be removed to the council depot at Westhampnett and stored for 14 days, after which it will be donated to charity or scrapped.
• it is secured to a public cycle rack and in an un-roadworthy condition.
• it is noted as not having moved for over one month.

Classed as unroadworthy

A bicycle that is defined as unroadworthy will have two or more of the following defects:

• flat tyres (front/rear/both)
• missing wheel(s)
• missing seat
• buckled wheels (front/rear/both)
• bent forks
• seized/damaged brakes
• rusted chain/gears
• missing chain

What happens when a bicycle is abandoned?

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.

How to report an abandoned bicycle

Any queries about this service should be directed to: