United Kingdom

Bristol

Bristol is one of England’s leading cycling cities, with strong rail‑to‑bike integration and popular traffic‑free routes like the Bristol–Bath Railway Path, plus an expanding network of secure cycle hangars and station‑area facilities.

Stolen Bikes in Bristol

Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Bristol — current risk: 1,468 thefts/year (reported, 2022/23). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Bristol to alert the community.

Daily riders

28% of residents cycle at least once a week (2023)

Dedicated paths

Protected‑km unknown; city is rolling out cycle hangars and LCWIP corridor upgrades; Temple Meads has ~456‑space cycle park and a larger secure hub is planned.

Bike sharing stations

Theft risk

1,468 thefts/year (reported, 2022/23)

Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.

Quick map

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Theft insights

1,468 thefts/year (reported, 2022/23)

Security tips Insurance Report theft

Why it’s special

Bristol–Bath Railway Path: 21 km largely traffic‑free route linking two city centres

Cycle‑rail integration at Temple Meads with large‑capacity parking and upgrades underway

Region‑wide WESTbike e‑bike hire (app‑based, hop‑on/hop‑off) for visitors

Dozens of residential cycle hangars with more being installed

Active LCWIP routes (e.g., Concorde Way, Malago Greenway) under improvement planning

Safety tips

Use lights between sunset and sunrise: white front, red rear, plus rear reflector and pedal reflectors where applicable.

At junctions, drivers should give way to pedestrians; when you ride straight ahead you have priority over turning traffic—ride predictably and watch for turning vehicles.

Use advanced stop lines to position ahead of traffic; do not cross the final stop line on red.

Avoid undertaking large vehicles at junctions; give wide berth to HGVs and buses.

Lock only to secure racks/stands; don’t obstruct footways or doorways.

On shared paths, slow for pedestrians and give ample space; ring bell courteously.

Ride like a local

Rules that matter

Use lights and reflectors at night (white front, red rear; rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors where applicable).
Obey traffic signals; do not cross the final stop line on red and use the bike box where provided.
Junction priority: drivers should give way to pedestrians crossing/waiting; cyclists going straight ahead have priority over turning traffic unless signs/markings say otherwise.
Position clearly (centre of the lane when safer) and give way to pedestrians on shared‑use tracks.
No cycling on pavements/footways unless signed for cycling; use marked cycle tracks.

Typical fines (EUR)

Phone in hand€1153

Red light€58

No lights at night€58

Unwritten etiquette

Ride predictably; signal early and make eye contact at side roads.
Use your bell when approaching on shared paths and slow to walking pace near pedestrians.
Filter politely; don’t squeeze past long vehicles at junctions.
Park tidily in racks or designated bays; avoid blocking kerbs and tactile paving.

Security & parking

Parking like a pro

Use the Bristol Temple Meads cycle park (around 456 spaces) for station access; look for signed racks on Station Approach and Friary.
Apply for/reserve residential cycle‑hangar spaces where available; more units are being installed across neighbourhoods.
Prefer visible, well‑lit Sheffield stands; lock through frame and rear wheel and remove accessories.
Avoid informal locking to railings/signposts—risk of removal and damage.

Theft & lock strategy

Use two high‑quality locks (e.g., Sold Secure Gold/Diamond D‑lock + secondary chain/cable) and lock low with minimal slack.
Register your frame on BikeRegister and record the frame number; add tamper‑evident marking.
Hide a tracker (e.g., Bluetooth/Find‑My) on the bike; set geofence alerts where possible.
Overnight: use indoor storage, hangars or staffed/monitored sites; avoid quiet, unsheltered racks.

Bike Garage Spotlight: Bristol Temple Meads Cycle Park

Approx. 456 spaces in two‑tier racks with easy rail integration on Station Approach/Friary; new secure‑access cycle hub is planned as part of the Southern Gateway project.

Learn more on the city site

Bike Garage Spotlight: Bristol Temple Meads Cycle Park

Rent a bike

Cycle the City

£24/day

City • Hybrid

Bike Bristol

£29/8 hours (hybrid); +£25 for e‑bike

City • E‑bike

WESTbike (Dott) runs app‑based e‑bike hire across Bristol; pay‑per‑ride and passes are available. Park only in approved bays shown in the app. E‑scooters in the same system require a driving licence; e‑bikes do not. Brompton Bike Hire lockers at Temple Meads and Parkway offer folding bikes by app/registration and card.

Epic day trips

Bristol–Bath Railway Path • 21 km

Flat, traffic‑free path along a former railway between Bristol and Bath, with cafes, heritage stops and rail options for the return.

Festival Way to Nailsea • 15.6 km

Mostly traffic‑free route via the Harbourside and Ashton Court’s parkland to Nailsea; family‑friendly with countryside views.

Top safety cities

Oslo

Safety score: 92

Copenhagen

Safety score: 90

Utrecht

Safety score: 90

What’s next

Temple Meads Southern Gateway & Cycle Hub

New multi‑modal hub with a high‑quality secure cycle building and improved walking/cycling routes at Bristol Temple Meads; planning progressing in 2025.

LCWIP Corridor Upgrades & Cycle Hangars

Bristol is developing improvements on routes like Concorde Way and Malago Greenway and expanding residential cycle‑hangar provision citywide.