Places to lock your bike

[Matthew_T]

I am doing a bit of work experience this week in the College's Estates department. I have just been around the site with the guy who manages the services in the whole system.

We passed a little caged area with bikes inside it. I asked if it was used just for staff and he said that anyone can get a key for just £5. It is a caged area with about 8 of the bike loop stands in it with a healthy gap between each one. When we passed, there were about 4 bikes in there with some of them locked up.
So tomorrow when I cycle in I am going to go and get a key because the cage is sheltered and in a quiet area of the college.

Its amazing what you learn when you speak to people.

 

[fossyant]

Always ask, be polite. I've got codes and access passes to a few of our campus shelters.

 

[Matthew_T]

Always ask, be polite. I've got codes and access passes to a few of our campus shelters.

Apparently they dont like to boast about it because there is such short room for the whole college. You have to go to finance, get a reciept, and then hand that in the H&S woman who then gives you the key. Its a bit of palava but its worth it.

 

[boybiker]

Really the college should have told you about the services they offer when you started and in the prospectus etc. Either way at least your bike wont be getting too wet and cold now!

 

[Matthew_T]

Really the college should have told you about the services they offer when you started and in the prospectus etc. Either way at least your bike wont be getting too wet and cold now!

They should have told us but there is nothing in the prospectus about general facilities. Nothing about lockers or anything specific. Nothing on the website either. I guess its up to you to find out yourself. My tutors knew that I cycled in but they didnt know about the facilities (or didnt tell me).
I am glad that I have found out though because I now have somewhere dry to store my bike in winter and get changed.

The college has never been short of cycle store facilities. There is a stand near the main entrance, one opposite the nursery which is sheltered, one outside my contruction building, and plenty of railings around the site. And now I know if this sheltered cage area.
I have also had a look at the cameras in the estates dept and seen that where I used to lock my bike, there is a camera on it (I suspected so anyway). I dont think there is one on the cage though.

 

[fossyant]

You've got to go exploring to find the best 'shelters'.

 

[fossyant]

Don't expect the cameras to work. Also don't forget to still use good locks, as the theives can still get in.

 

[Matthew_T]

Don't expect the cameras to work. Also don't forget to still use good locks, as the theives can still get in.

Dont worry, bike is fully insured with lock on.