Commuters angry at (temporary) closure of Finsbury Park bike lock-up

London commuter cyclists are furious that a secure bike lockup in North London is to be closed for a month over Easter.

The bicycle storage at Finsbury Park is used by commuters for parts of their journey - and they say they risk their bikes being stolen without it.

For 50p a day, 125 cyclists are able to leave their bikes securely.

Transport for London (TfL) say the closure will allow for improvement work, including space to repair bikes and new facilities for storing tandems and disability-adapted bikes.

Cyclist Chris Rigby, who commutes to his work in Soho from Haringey, told the Evening Standard: “I haven’t been informed about any of the changes.

“For me it means I’m going to have to travel by train. I can’t park my bike anywhere else.

“I would either have to walk or use the train and the train from Haringey to Finchley is always busy.

“The cycle park at the moment, it’s secure, it’s got a guy there. I wouldn’t feel comfortable locking it outside and in the open.”

Tom Bogdanowicz, senior campaign officer from the London Cycling Campaign, said: “Providing better access non-standard bikes, often used by people with disabilities or those travelling with children, is very welcome.

“While we note that the works will only take a month we would like to see temporary facilities installed for the existing users of the cycle park given that the parking stands directly outside the station are usually full.  

“They must provide an alternative so as not to lose the cyclists. We don’t want these people getting in cars and clogging up the roads.”

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Head of Strategy and Outcome Planning, said :“The Finsbury Park Cycle Park is due to temporarily close for a month at the end of March for improvement work, which includes the introduction of basic repair facilities and new spaces for non-standard cycles.

“We apologise for the inconvenience as we carry out these improvements that will make the facility even better.

“Alongside the Mayor we’re committed to making cycling safer and easier for all Londoners, which is why we’re providing more investment than ever before, including in creating more safe, easy and well-connected cycling routes and improving cycling facilities across London.”