With Amy Martin of Sustrans

Do you enjoy riding your bicycle in Swindon, but worry about leaving it anywhere in case it gets stolen?

In this week’s Family Fitness we give you all the information you need to know about keeping your bike safe and secure in Swindon.

If you have made the investment in purchasing a bike, then you want to make sure that when parking it you use a strong security lock and use it correctly, rather than relying on a cheap, flimsy lock to keep your bike where you left it.

Police recommend that your lock should cost about 10% of the cost of your bike, and it’s a worthwhile investment to ensure that your bike stays more secure, especially if you have splashed out on a more expensive model.

Cable locks are, generally speaking the least secure form of lock and you should not solely rely on just this to keep your bike secure.

Instead use a U-lock for the best security. The smaller the U, the harder the lock will be to remove, so try to find the smallest U-lock that would be suitable for your bike.

The best way to secure your bike with a U-lock is to place the lock through the wheel and the bike frame, securing your bike to something solid.

For extra security, use a cable lock to secure the second wheel to the U-lock. This way more of the component parts of your bike are protected.

Look out for the Sold Secure approval logos on each bike lock which grades them as gold, silver or bronze, based on their security abilities.

If you regularly cycle in Swindon town, then why not get access to the secure cycle parking at Brunel West and Fleming way car parks?

With 24-hour access via a smart card the covered facilities have parking for over 160 bikes, giving you a more secure place to lock your bicycle.

For a limited time, Sustrans is offering the access smart card for free (usually £10).

To receive your application form and voucher for a free smart card, please email your address to Swindon@sustrans.org.uk