and here's the new bike

and its lovely...this one is going nowhere near the station and I am thinking about paying a former SAS soldier to guard it each night - overkill?

Asbo

I was pleased to read in Metro that a frequent bike thief who stole from train stations has been given an asbo and banned from travelling on trains.

Part of me thinks - 'hell this guy breaks the law what will he care about this' but I expect this is all tied up with a lack of prison spaces.

He's had to pay his victims compensation as well.

No news on my lost bikes though......

3 days and counting

3 days until the new (replacement bike) is due to turn up.

In the meantime I am scouting EBAY for a cheap as chips racer to take to the station.

Is is possible to pick up a bike for £20 - seems so.

Watch this space

a week on

So in the last week I had the article published in the essex chronicle, recieved a letter from my mp who has written to the MD of ONE.

Also an email from ONE saying they will be in touch (I am not holding my breath).

Insurance company who are replacing the bike (at some point).

So a few conversations to follow up and an indication they are considering a swipe card security installation - now that wuld be something.

busy day

So working from home proved to be a blessing today as I was able to work through my lunchbreak and:

1. Meet our local MP Simon Burns (nice guy). He is going to write to the MD of ONE on Monday. I have high hopes this will create a reaction but how far this reaction goes is anyone's guess.

2. Telephone interview with The Essex Chronicle and my picture taken for the story

3. Resolve all issues with the insurance company and new bike is sorted out

I am aiming to have CCTV installed in the station - I think that will help a lot as long as its very high profile. I'd also like the British Transport Police to place some stinger bikes in the sheds which are tagged so they can trace the guys and arrest them.

Let's see what happens this time round. Shame on ONE - still no response and shame on Anglia TV for not even responding.

3 days is all it lasted for

3 days and the handle bars and forks have been stolen - unbelievable.

So far I have spoken to the British Transport Police BTP who have been great (an excellent person there) who said they were in attendance at Chelmsford station (run by ONE Railways ONE ) for most of yesterday but were called away.

Staff at Chelmsford station repeated this is happening all the time.

So what am I doing (for a second time in 9 months) is:

1. Emailing ONE Railways ONE
2. Emailing the Essex Chronicle Essex Chronicle
3. Meeting with my local MP Simon Burns Simon Burns
4. Emailing Anglia TV Anglia TV
5. Making a request under the Freedom of Information Act to the BTP to ask how many bikes have been reported stolen in th last 9 months
6. Seriously considering buying a crap 2nd hand bike

I ride for all the right reasons - to get fit, to reduce polution and road congestion but I am close to giving up and returning to using the car.

Let's see what the media and an MP can do - no one seems to listen to the cyclist.

Stolen:

Manitou Splice Super 100mm fork
Giant MPH Brake levers
Shimano Shifters LX 27 Speed
Low rise Giant Handle bars

day two update

I managed to meet Paul last night - the guy who found my sunglasses and was able to say thank you in person.

It's nice to be able to say thanks face to face (having left a note to that effect) and it made me realise how one good turn creates a good feeling in two people - the person who performs the good deed and the person on the recieving end.

Nice work Paul and I hope the removal of all your quick release bolts means you dont have the hassle of removing your saddle as I do.