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news
Tim gets pulled overLack of Lycra Lout? Police stop cyclist not wearing "appropriate clothing" on suspicion of stealing bike
A cyclist in Bath was yesterday stopped by a police officer for not wearing the “appropriate gear” while riding a fixed gear bike, due to suspicions he may have stolen it – proof of Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s determination to stamp out bike theft.
The cyclist, Tim Burton, while a little taken aback by the incident in Keynsham yesterday afternoon, said on Twitter that he was happy to see that the force is taking the issue of bike theft seriously.
"Just got stopped by the police for 'not wearing Lycra' but being on a road bike," he tweeted.
"The PC said I wasn't dressed in appropriate gear to be riding my bike so had I stolen it?
"I was clipped in. No scruffy trainers but clean(ish) SPD shoes.” Burton’s bike is equipped with Crank Bros Candy pedals.
“Maybe I didn't look hipster enough? Apparently there have been some shed break-ins locally. The bike looks too good for me to own, obviously!"
Due to the hills around Bath you don't see as many fixies as in some places with flatter terrain, and we're guessing that Burton's bike had drop bars and so at casual glance would look like a road bike, which have been the subject of targeted thefts in the area.
After checking the bike’s frame number and performing a background check on Burton, he was allowed to go on his way.
The cyclist, who admitted that the sight of him on the bike probably looked “dodgy” said: "It is nice to see them looking out for pinched bikes, I told [the PC] I appreciated it."
He added: “I'm not saying they were wrong. It's amusing that I've been stopped for no Lycra!”
PC Keith James, who did the stop check, said: "Bike thefts are a priority for us in this area as we've had a number of garage and shed break-ins. I'm a cyclist myself and it was unusual to see an expensive bike being ridden by someone in non-cycling clothes and without a helmet. It soon became clear that Mr Burton was the genuine owner and I'm glad he's supportive of what we're doing to try to catch bike thieves."
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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44 comments
Excellent work. I have mine inked and datataged. I don't think it protects it, but it makes me happier that if someone does pinch it they would be nicked. Only £20 for the kit and I wish everyone did it
Should have arrested him for riding a track bike on the road.
Who said anything about a track bike? ...
I got my bike back six months after it was stolen due to the police stopping the new "owner" in similar circumstances. Apparently he said he'd bought it from a "gentleman". I'm still not sure exactly why they stopped him. But the frame number and security markings were intact so a quick look-up, and they identified it as mine straight away.
Unfortunately it was stripped of all the accessories and rather trashed. They'd swapped a disc wheel for a non-disc one, and they clearly hadn't had access to the special key for the security skewers - properly bodged. But at least no-one is benefitting from the theft.
Definitely moving in the right direction
In the same vein, people wearing lycra and not on a bicycle should be arrested for attempted burglary.
I think that's fantastic, good on em.
Looking fashionable on a bike:
http://innercitymobility.blogspot.de/2012/10/bad-boys-special-swiss-bike...
"Sorry, officer, the Ferrari is being serviced."
"Our new business policy is less red and more green!"
Although I never run into trouble with the police, I'll have to switch to a Brompton for the next position.
So any advice what to wear on a Brompton is welcome!
Regards,
Dr. Ko
A bowler hat and sock suspenders.
Nothing else.
Livens up the commute in the City.
My final comment on this. I blame it on Coleman
http://innercitymobility.blogspot.de/2013/06/transformation-fashion-crim...
I've been stopped a couple of times by the police, one just wanted to know about the bike and make sure I wasn't breaking any laws like having a huge motor on it.
The other was a little arsey, MET police up from London for Royal protection. Did the full nine yards of checks, then was let go.
I am quite happy being stopped and checked because I have nothing to hide. Its good to see them doing a job.
Personally I'm with Tim wouldn't mind been stopped at least it shows the police are taking it seriously. Recall a tale some years back when a guy spotted some youths walking with a carbon frame road bike. Thining it was odd he approached them and buoght it for £30. The bike was returned to it's owner as it had an Evans sportive number n the handle bars
Crazy, are they going to stop everyone not wearing what they think bicycle riders should wear?
As my TCR Advanced was nicked in A&S last month this is good news as far as I'm concerned.
So my experience so far:
Good response from police (did house to house and spotted a neighbour had CCTV)
Police 'interested' in bike theft.
Slow response from insurers, but I'm still hopeful!
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