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Hmm, strange one this.
I usually park my bike at the uni by chaining it opposite the [clearly marked] motorcycle bays, and next to the bike cage. I have never got around to getting the code for the cage as I am usually in a rush at the uni and I have a huge lock [£100 worth of Abus Granit X-Plus].
I have never seen a motorbike there, and there are no signs about this wall being motorbike parking.
I put my lock through a rusty chain that was hanging from a ring as it was much easier than getting it though the ring with the chain there.
Today I come back to find someone has moved my bike and left it unlocked. It seems that is a motorbike parking spot and the "owner" of the space has undone the chain, and moved my bike away, and left it propped up with it's lock around it, no longer fixed to anything, in a public place.
The person also had the time to print a note and affix it to the bike.
What I don't get is why the note did not suffice. Especially as there was no bike parked there that needed the space today anyway. The idea that someone can endanger my £1000-odd bike's security makes me very angry.
What I want to do is to speak to the person that did it and explain that had it gone, I would be using the CCTV to take them to a small claims court for the price of a new Blue Pig build.
Someone else has even taken the time to write on the note that was left with a biro saying it's not marked motorbike parking - perhaps one of the other people who park their bikes there regularly.
I have to go to the uni today, and I know the security staff know who it was that put it there.
What should I do/say?
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It was the far ring.
Leave earlier so you're not in a rush, get the code for the bike parking cage and use that instead of the motorcycle parking area?
Si
So...
I have a huge lock [£100 worth of Abus Granit X-Plus]
then
Today I come back to find someone has moved my bike and left it unlocked.
Not sure of the point of your really expensive lock if you can merely undo the thing its attached too. Why not just spend 5 mins to find out the cage code and park like the rest of the cyclists?
Could you take a wheelie bin with you tomorrow and leave it in your space to reserve it?
You put your lock through someone elses lock?
Unfortunately it would be your fault if the bike went missing you attached it to something that was easier to defeat than your lock making your lock a pointless accessory.
Use the bike shed and lock properly.
You put your super-duper expensive lock through that piddly little chain???
I'm surprised they're not more concerned about you blocking a doorway.
That and the other posts about an expensive lock through someone else rusty chain sounds silly.
The idea that someone can endanger my £1000-odd bike's security makes me very angry.
But you're perfectly happy with securing your £1,000 bike with a £100 lock to some poxy bit of rusty chain that can be readily undone by some passing munchkin?
The note looks like an "official" missive from the University; ergo, you need to address your concerns to them. Though from the sounds of it they've done you a favour in encouraging you to secure your bike properly next time.
Unfortunately it would be your fault if the bike went missing you attached it to something that was easier to defeat than your lock making your lock a pointless accessory.Use the bike shed and lock properly.
This. Don't quite understand how they rendered your lock useless - was the "rusty chain" someone else's lock?
You put your lock through someone elses lock?
It took a bit of reading, but I think OP chained to a chain someone had left there.
When I had a motorbike, rather than carry a big fuggoff chain every day, I would leave it at work as that's the only place I used it.
So even if the chain was big, only the owner of the chain could nick his bike.
Thats alright then
I'd be a bit annoyed at moving the bike, especially if there was no need to. You're right, the note would of done.
Unfortunately though, I agree with some of the other posters that in future you should sort yourself out and get a key or whatever needs to be done, to get access to the cage.
scc999 - Yeah sure, on the days when i'm not up to 2am doing uni stuff and putting up websites by 7:30 am the next morning, yes.
- I have to apply for permission through the central facilities and it takes weeks for a reply. Also the cage is filthy [pigeon shit] and full of bikes some of which move and some of which don't - I won't know which ones I can lock mine to. Lastly because I think the first place people are going to steal bikes from is the normal area where they're locked up. The chain has been there years and never been used before.treaclesponge
Why not just spend 5 mins to find out the cage code and park like the rest of the cyclists?
midlifecrashes
Oh I don't know - I just can't understand how the hell they think it's acceptable to leave it unlocked?!Could you take a wheelie bin with you tomorrow and leave it in your space to reserve it?
You put your lock through someone elses lock?
There's loads of new looking locks that are used - in three years I have never seen that spot or that old rusty chain in use. It has a padlock holding it together.
- I assume they had the key?!Unfortunately it would be your fault if the bike went missing you attached it to something that was easier to defeat than your lock making your lock a pointless accessory.
No it was not the piddly little chain - that would be daft. It was a chunky chain that is not in the picture.
It was the far ring in the top pic - of course NOT in the doorway.
Take it as a helpful hint. Your security, which you thought was secure, is a joke as it was easily defeated and your lucky that you still have bike.
Secure it in the bike cage that has been provided for you and think twice about were you leave it from now on.
The idea that someone can endanger my £1000-odd bike's security makes me very angry.
That someone was you!
Yeah sure, on the days when i'm not up to 2am doing uni stuff and putting up websites by 7:30 am the next morning, yes.
I'm sure that attitude will endear you to the security people you go crying too when your bike has gone missing.
I suspect they will ask if it was secured in the provided bike accommodation and if not then they'll have nothing to do with you.
The process of finding the code out for the cage is no doubt because they keep a register of who has access should something illegal happen.
[i]What should I do/say?[/i]
1) Go to Security
2) "Can I have the number for the bike cage please?"
I can accept I was in the wrong - though I was oblivious to the area being motorcycle parking due to the lack of sign and or motorcycles. As I said the sign was enough.
What bugs me is the notion that it was OK to leave it no longer attached to anything!
What bugs me is the notion that it was OK to leave it no longer attached to anything!
They were probably annoyed someones been using their chain to lock their bike to for ages.
That someone was you!
No it wasn't - it was secured when I left it and someone else came and callously caused it to be insecure just for the hell of it.
What bugged the owner of the other lock was probably the notion that you were using it to secure your bike.
That someone was you!
No it wasn't - it was secured when I left it and someone else came and callously caused it to be insecure just for the hell of it.
You secured it to someone else's lock.
Therefore it was you that endangered your own bike!
They were probably annoyed someones been using their chain to lock their bike to for ages.
I have been using the ring [usually the ring itself] around 4 hours a week for a few years. As I said - the note would have sufficed - I can put it somewhere else if requested.
We'll have to agree to disagree on this. I can see your point, but they could easily have left it locked.
Out of interest - how am I supposed to know this is motorcycle parking when there is no sign saying it's motorcycle parking?
I'm slightly confused! That metal rail secured to the wall is to protect people walking past the fire exit door when it swings out into their path as its an outward opening door (as required by the building regulations).
Its not something to secure bikes to.
Or am I missing something?
This is a troll right?
If you leave a £1000 bike at a uni it will be spotted and it will go.
It needs more than one lock- theres nothing securing the fork/wheel.
Locking it to that chain is pointless- they're cut-able with the smallest bolt croppers.
Alternatively a tea-leaf could hacksaw your downtube in 5 seconds, ride away, skip the frame/sell all the bits!
So what's today's lesson?!
It was NOT where it is in the pictures when I left it.
The person who unlocked it put it there. I have never left it in the way of the door, just on the ring on the wall, the far one in the top pic, leaving plenty of space around it for the other bikes that are parked there.
Sorry the OP was such a mess.
What should I do/say?1) Go to Security
2) "Can I have the number for the bike cage please?"
Plus one, and use your lock properly.
I won't know which ones I can lock mine to.
Sorry, I must be misunderstanding this; are you saying that you don't know whose bike you want to lock your own to?
No it wasn't - it was secured
It demonstrably wasn't.
I have to apply for permission through the central facilities and it takes weeks for a reply
...
I have been using the ring [usually the ring itself] around 4 hours a week for a few years
You've had plenty of time to gain access to the designated facilities, you're just making excuses. If the facilities are inappropriate or inadequate, you need to flag this with the University. Then when you go to complain about them moving your bike and they ask why you're not using the security they provide, you can say "because as per my letter dated $foo I don't believe the facilities are fit for purpose" rather than look like a spoon because you've been bucking the system for three years.
they could easily have left it locked.Out of interest - how am I supposed to know this is motorcycle parking when there is no sign saying it's motorcycle parking?
Both very good points, and ones you should bring to the attention of the University. Ideally, in writing.
scc999 - Yeah sure, on the days when i'm not up to 2am doing uni stuff and putting up websites by 7:30 am the next morning, yes.
Your choice - either find the time or don't. You asked what people would do, I'd make the time to get my bike secured properly in line with the facilities provided by the uni rather than using someone elses lock to secure your pride and joy to.
Are you at uni every day? I'm just curious how you know that the lock is never used and there's no way that you locking your bike to it would have made it didfficult for the owner lock up their motorbike.
Speak to the Uni though, as others have said it looks like an official(ish) notice. Explain your concerns over the state of the cage / difficulties finding the time to go through correct process and see what they say. You may get a positive result?
Not sure I'd bang on too much about my bike being moved, but calmly explaining that you feel a note on it's own would have sufficed rather than leaving your bike unlocked and open to theft may also bear fruit?
Si
Acquire the code for the cage.
Speak to the security team and explain the situation.
Ask them where it is ok to lock your bike whilst the code is being issued.
Advise that signage would be helpful if it is a designated motorbike bay but as you haven't seen it in use for x amount of time didn't think it would be a problem.
they could easily have left it locked.
How? If they took their lock (which, as you say, isn't in the picture) how were they supposed to leave your bike secured? Basically you have had a scare, been lucky so learn from it, park your bike where its supposed to go rather than where you want to put it.
If you are worried about a bit of bird poo why not get a tarp zip tied over the cage roof or something. Seems you are looking to blame someone else for your own incompetence.
No-one else thinks it's unacceptable to leave the bike unlocked?
I have a lot of consideration for other people's property, I would never dream of doing that, I'd just leave a note explaining it was motorbike parking.
The Abus has secured various bikes for about 5 years, it's survived a set of bolt croppers too at the NORMAL bike-parking area out the front of the uni. In midday. Hence the desire to park it in the secluded spot in the pictures.
OK - well if you really don't think I have the right to give the person a bollocking for leaving it unlocked [and as noted, blocking the fire door] I won't.
I was in two minds - hence the question.
What should I do/say?
Get a beater bike to ride to uni on. Your nice one will get stolen.
How would you suggest that the 'perp' locked your bike up if your lock was locked and he/she wanted to take their lock away...? Or should they have searched the university until they found you or just decided that it was a bit mean to leave it unlocked so changed their plans/needs to suit your selfishness?
@IA - I usually ride a beater to uni - it's in for repairs.
@treaclesponge - There' no need to be daft. The chain has not been used ever before in 4 years of me attending the university, passing that spot several times a day. There has never been a motorbike there, ever, but push bikes are locked there regularly. There was also NOT a bike there that day, so the person has come and taken the lock away for the sheer hell of it.
@cougar - the bike cage is usually full by the time I get there. Some of the bikes are likely abandoned, some are not. Locking the 'Pig next to a bike that is in use will inconvenience the owner, hence locking it where there is space to lock it.
so the person has come and taken the lock away for the sheer hell of it.
Or because they now needed their property back to do what they wished with.
if you really don't think I have the right to give the person a bollocking for leaving it unlocked
I think you absolutely do. I just think that if you go in all guns blazing, you should pre-emptively be ready to explain why you aren't using the provided facilities.
the bike cage is usually full by the time I get there
... may well be one such answer.
I think if I were you, I'd write to them with the meat of the letter being about inadequate facilities. As such, you are forced to attempt to secure your bike elsewhere, and subsequently have had your bike rendered unsafe by security personnel commissioned by the University which is totally unacceptable. Therefore, what are they going to do to provide more suitable security (and improve the signage whilst they're at it)?
have had your bike rendered unsafe by security personnel commissioned by the University
Unsubstantiated. The picture of the note isn't entirely readable and may not be from Security.
I think the people saying this is your fault are frankly wrong, ignore them. On the other hand, going in all guns blazing to give the security a bollocking is not going to help you.
Your bike could have been nicked. It wasn't, so count your blessings.
Start a productive dialog with security about why you're parking where you are, what can be done to resolve the situation and also mention that you're not happy with how your bike was left unlocked. If you're liable to explode if you go in there in person, do it on paper instead, though the best results are likely to come from having a friendly chat.
If you want to be angry about something there are plenty of more worthwhile things to be angry about.
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It's a little ambiguous, but security know about it.
What if it was security? I think that would make it a little less OK...
1) Go to Security
2) "Can I have the number for the bike cage please?"
Woooaaah! Easy there, Brainiac. How about you dumb it down for the rest of us?
If you're liable to explode if you go in there in person, do it on paper instead, though the best results are likely to come from having a friendly chat.
I'm a pretty chill kinda guy. I have explored the "being cross" aspect of this here and with myself [i]before[/i] I go in, for reasons of not making myself look like a tit [well, any more than is necessary].
Possible, yes. Doesn't really go with the note though, does it?Or because they now needed their property back to do what they wished with.
Wait.
Who are "Bradford University Motorcycle Club"? Has it been moved by a bunch of students? Take it up with the Students' Union?
What does it say in biro?
Sounds like the BUMC have got upset with you for using a space that they've claimed as theirs, even if it's not being used.
What does it say in biro?
"Signs on wall would help. We canot (sic) read minds!"
A biker who types a note? With italics?? And red ink???
It says "signs on wall would help, we can't read minds!"
I'd say f*** em, they're being dicks over what they think is "their" spot.
Or you could just grow up and park your bike properly. Or get up earlier. Or park the bike somewhere else. Honestly !
I have a friend who is constantly getting parking tickets, fined on the tube etc and moaning about is cos "I was running late" so she thinks normal rules don't apply. But she is ALWAYS running late.
1 register with Freecycle
2 put wanted ad there for bike
3 lock it to a lamp post/bench/not motorcycle bay
4 take your £1000 bike to your parents
5 enjoy your nocturnal web design knowing that you don't care if the free bike is stolen
+1 for go to bed earlier, get up earlier, use the facilities provided, complain if they're not up to scratch, it's part of what you pay your fees for.
X
Many interesting responses.
Re the Running Late/not obeying rules - there is no sign saying it's motorbike parking.
I'm going in now - we'll see what happens 🙂
it was very naughty of them to leave it unsecured - no doubt about that, as much as I hate to say it you have been pretty daft with securing it. You need to get the lock though frame and atleast one wheel (both for preference) to a proper immovable object.
<edit> and get rid of your seat/wheel QRs, I've had bolted seatposts nicked so god knows how you manage to not get yours pinched especially as it's not in the cage - must be an honest neighbourhood eh? Not sure your theory holds up, the usual story goes thieves go for the easiest target, if there's a cage to get into or a bike on it's lonesome out in the open they'll hit that first.
BUMC presumably have a contact email/phone number. Get in touch, make a minor apology that you parked in a motorcycle bay but point out you didn't know as no sign-age, bring up how difficult it is to get a bike cage code (see if they can help expedite) and tell them how upset (without swearies) you are at your bike being left unsecured as there was no reason too (no motorbike) and bang out of order
BUM Club.
*s****s*
There doesn't even appear to be such a thing as the motorcycle club. No mention of it on the university website, nor does a google search reveal anything. Probably the Dominoes delivery driver, he'll be at the HOR pretty regularly I imagine 🙂
Cougar - right up there with:
Bradford Uni Music Society (BUMS) 😉
There's also no sign saying it's for cycle parking.
get crap bike from skip
spend tenner at lidl on lock
park it in motorbike space, locked properly, just to piss them off!
The note printer may have just thrown the "security will remove" comment to scare you off.
Personally I'd NEVER put a bike in a secluded spot where anyone can have access to it (and work away on it undetected)
I'd be speaking to facilities to clarify whether the spot is reserved for motorbikes or not and also discuss the insufficient number of secure bike spots.
I'd also learn that your bike security is down to YOU, nobody else. Whilst the unknown party shouldnt have done what they did, it highlighted nicely that you were using a potentially insecure method of securing your bike. You were lucky, next time you may not.
You may also want to get in touch with the BUM Club and try and engage with them.
Just because YOU have never seen anyone using the spot, doesnt mean THEY dont.
BUMS is pretty amusing....
I googled the motorcycle club when I was standing next to the bike. No idea who they are, neither has my lecturer who rides in on him BMW.
The front wheel is usually locked, though it's a 20mm so I didn't bother to correct my mistake when I missed it yesterday. The rear wheel is 10mm Bolt-up so I often don't lock it. The seat etc is deliberately awful and [cost me £5] for the reason you stated.
twoc of a pedal cycle is a crime ,subject to argument about moving short distance for a laugh. Looks like security played no roll in this. The Bums have decided that is their spot and whichever bum owns the rusty chain has removed it or some Bum with a misplaced self importance has cut it . speak to security ask if they have an issue with you parking there if so don't park there if not do but use better security particularly don't attach to other peoples locks or bikes . And don't leave a nice bike unattended even if locked.
[i]No-one else thinks it's unacceptable to leave the bike unlocked?[/i]
Yep!
Funny how STW works though eh? you think you've been wronged and everyone leaps all over you and you find out that in fact you're the wrong-doer. Marvelous.
If you feel the need to say something, don't tell em about your bike, but ask security where the motorcycle parking is. See if the note is legit.
Let me get this straight.
1) You locked your bike to someone else's lock.
2) That someone else wanted their lock back (possibly out of spite).
3) They undid their own lock, leaving your lock still locked, but only to your bike.
4) They moved your bike and put a note on it.
Is that right?
I think the BUM club are being cocks. And when the BUM club has a few cocks in it, you're f****d.
🙂
....and pussies don't get along with assholes..I think the BUM club are being cocks. And when the BUM club has a few cocks in it, you're f****d.
Let me get this straight.1) You locked your bike to someone else's lock.
2) That someone else wanted their lock back (possibly out of spite).
3) They undid their own lock, leaving your lock still locked, but only to your bike.
4) They moved your bike and put a note on it.Is that right?
Nope. Nothing like that.
^^^That's about right.
So, I've found out who it was:
The Chair of the University's Ethics in Research Committee.
I'm still laughing. Honestly!
And concerned - I have been offered an MPhil at the Uni. A Masters by Research. I have a suspicion I will have to deal with him at some point! What do now?!
I have my own idea BTW....
Actually I have two - one of them was to attach a small motor to the 'Pig, join the BUM Club and then park there with a smile 🙂
Oh - and thanks for all the advice everyone 🙂
gofasterstripes - Memberscc999 - Yeah sure, on the days when i'm not up to 2am doing uni stuff and putting up websites by 7:30 am the next morning, yes.
Bless... the real world is going to be a rude awakening...
ROTFL at Chunky
I love how you all assume I'm 18!
You're certainly daft enough! 😉
We're sorry, are you 21?
There's no doubt. But you do also need to take into account that even sensible people have daft days.
No. I'm 30 tomorrow. There had better be cake!
No. I'm 30 tomorrow. There had better be cake!
Then you should know better, young man.
Now get to bed!
