Parking is generally much easier with a bike around London than a car but there are a few things to consider.

You cannot park anywhere, you can only park a bike

• in a designated bike park
• on private property (for which you have permission)
• in a car park with space set aside for bikes or areas not taking up a paying car space
• on a public road, subject to the same rules and restrictions as cars.

Hints & Tips: make sure your bike is fully within the bike park area - you will get a ticket for parking on the edge.

You cannot park

• on the pavement
• in bus lanes
• on any parking restriction that applies to cars (yellow lines, red lines etc)
• on private property without permission
• anywhere that will cause an obstruction

Varying regulations

Bike parking regulations vary all over London depending on the council. Some London boroughs allow...

• bikes to share a parking-meter space with a car as long as the space is paid for
• bikes to park in residents parking spaces
• bike to use a Pay & Display car space as long as it's paid for at the standard rate

However, some councils strictly do not allow all or some of the above. We'll try to get full details but if you're unsure, check with the appropriate council or park somewhere else.

The good points

• bike parks are free (usually)
• many companies have bike parking areas (ask yours)

Residents' parking ?

There's no way a resident's permit can be displayed on a bike so there's no way to prove you're not a resident. However, you might find this is at a warden's discretion so don't blame us if you get a ticket. (see above section on Varying regulations)

Disabled parking spaces ?

Don't even think about it! these spaces are for people who really need them. You deserve a parking ticket if you're selfish enough to park in one of these.

The bad points

• bike parks in London are getting very crowded (you often need to be there early)
• bike parks can be places where your bike can get scratched or even knocked over
• the Corporation of London is considering removing bike parks altogether to discourage biking (possibly the most stupid idea ever and unlikely to happen)
• there are now pay park spaces appearing around Westminster which might be a sign of things to come

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