Bikes not wanted?

Richard Wyatt,

A little bit of council activity in New King Street has got one Bath Newseum follower’s attention. Roger Houghton writes:

Just noticed that all the bikes chained to the railings in New King Street have sprouted removal notices.
B&NES, of course, don’t own the railings and I’ve never thought any caused an obstruction. Is this a new policy? What constitutes obstruction?img_20190128_131700

Fine if they really are abandoned but most certainly aren’t. The owners may live in top-floor flats with no access to outside space and it seems an over-zealous policy. B&NES should be encouraging cyclists, not hounding them.

(Parked cars lining both sides of the street are, of course not a problem.)

I have approached B&NES for comment.

Published by Richard Wyatt

Freelance Journalist, broadcaster, columnist and local historian. Director of Bath Newseum. Married and lives in Bath. Interested in local history, architecture and visual display in museums and urban spaces.

2 Comments

  1. They may not actually be an “obstruction” but bikes chained to railings are a problem beyond the obvious unsightliness. Railings are wrought iron and will, if given a simple smack with a hammer (in order to steal the bike), shatter. The repair / replacement cost is then significant and the unsightliness greater.

    Cyclists take note. Railings are not a secure place to chain a bike to.

    Best regards

    John (a cyclist)

  2. A spokesperson for B&NES has told me: “A number of bikes chained to the railings in New King Street were partially blocking doorways and causing an obstruction. Removal notices were therefore issued.”

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