Oxford City Council removes bicycles from public areas if they are considered abandoned or causing an obstruction.
A bicycle is deemed abandoned if it meets any of the following criteria:
- it's secured in a way that could cause an obstruction (e.g. blocking the public highway)
- it's secured to a council cycle rack and is unroadworthy (see criteria below)
- it's secured in an inappropriate place (e.g. illegally chained to street furniture) and is unroadworthy
- it hasn't been moved for several weeks
An unroadworthy bicycle will have at least two of these issues:
- flat front tyre
- flat rear tyre
- missing wheel
- missing seat
- buckled wheel(s)
- bent forks
- seized or damaged brakes
- rusted chain or gears
- missing chain
Report an abandoned bicycle on Fix My Street
Our process for abandoned bicycles
When a bicycle is identified as abandoned or unroadworthy, we attach a removal notice to the handlebar. This notice indicates our plan to remove the bicycle if it's still there in the same condition after seven days.
If the bicycle has not been removed within seven days, we will take it away and store it in a secure compound where it will be held until 35 days from the date of tagging.
After 35 days, unclaimed bicycles are first offered to charities, then any remaining bikes are recycled for scrap. We don't sell abandoned bikes to the public.
In some cases, a bicycle may be removed immediately if it is left in a position that could cause a partial or total obstruction that impedes the passage of people (e.g. blocking a public highway or fire exit). These bicycles will also be securely stored and held for 35 days from the date of removal. An information notice will be left at the removal site.
Claiming a removed bicycle
To claim a bicycle, you must provide its description (colour, make/model, unique features) and its last location. Without this proof, the bicycle won't be released.
To claim, call 01865 249811 and select 'Street Services'.
