A designer hopes to reduce the number of bicycles being stolen by putting them out of the reach of thieves.

Dominic Hargreaves, a student at the Royal College of Art came up with his design for a bike storage hoist after having three bikes stolen.

How does the bike hoist work?

The bike cradle can be fitted to any wall and is attached to a powered hoist which lowers to the ground by remote control. The front wheel of the bicycle is placed into a cradle and locked in position, and the hoist pulls the bike 2.5 metres up the wall – safely out of the reach of thieves and their bolt cutters.

There are also plans for an industrial version for use outside Tube and rail stations.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This beautifully simple idea also solves the problem of finding space for bike storage in urban areas.”

Prevent your bicycle being stolen

Try to stay one step ahead of bike thieves by taking the following simple steps:

Insure your bike – according to research only 2 per cent of cyclists have adequate insurance. You may be covered on your household insurance policy, but read the small print. Spend a little time doing research before you buy cycle insurance as some providers offer much more for your money. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike. More info

Buy a good lock – Aim to spend 10 per cent of your bike’s value on a stout lock and make sure you use it properly; always secure the frame and do not leave the lock on the ground as it makes it easier for the thief to smash

Fit a basket – If all else fails, fit your bike with a basket on the front handlebars; even thieves have street cred!

Cycling makes sense

Half of all journeys are less than 2 miles long – a distance that is ideal for walking or cycling. Yet many of these trips are made by car.

The great thing about walking and cycling is that you can build it into your everyday routing – cycle to work, walk with the kids to school. That means you’re more likely to keep it up – travelling green and getting fit at the same time.



Related cycling articles:

Cycling tips

Electric bike to fight climate change

Bikeability

Cyclists still at risk from HGVs

London moves nearer to cycle hire scheme

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclists and motorists with green breakdown cover and insurance products and campaigns for sustainable transport.