Free bike security marking event to be held in Newtown

Cyclists in Newtown will have the chance to protect their bikes for free tomorrow as part of a Wales-wide initiative aimed at tackling bike theft and promoting active travel.

Transport for Wales (TfW), working in partnership with the British Transport Police (BTP), will host a free bike security marking event at Hafan yr Afon on Friday, 5 June, between 10am and 2pm.

The event is being supported by the Cambrian Lines Community Rail Partnership and will allow local cyclists to have their bikes security marked and registered on a national database at no cost. The markings help police identify and return stolen bikes to their rightful owners.

More than 560 bikes have already been registered through the scheme across Wales and the Borders since it was launched, helping to improve recovery rates and raise awareness of cycle security.

As well as offering bike marking, organisers will be available to discuss active travel opportunities in the area, including local walking and cycling routes and facilities. Visitors will also be invited to complete a survey designed to help improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure.

Matthew Gilbert, TfW’s Head of Active Travel and Placemaking, said: “We want to make it easier for people to choose sustainable, low carbon ways of travelling.

“These bike marking events not only help keep people’s bikes safe, but also give us the chance to promote local routes and facilities and hear directly from communities.

“We encourage everyone to take part in our Active Travel Survey so we can better understand the barriers people face when choosing to walk, wheel or cycle.”

Inspector Alun Derrick from the British Transport Police said the initiative also provides an opportunity to share crime prevention advice with the public.

“It is great to get to work with TfW to offer practical crime prevention advice alongside this extra level of identification for passengers and public,” he said.

“We would encourage anyone with a cycle to come along and get it marked as a precaution.

“Please remember if you see anything suspicious when travelling on the trains or at stations we encourage you to contact us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”

The event is free to attend and no booking is required.