Cycling Today, Gone Tomorrow
Cost of UK bike theft crisis totals £2.4 billion
The UK's bike theft epidemic is costing cyclists billions
A staggering 70% of riders have fallen victim to theft, according to new research from Novuna Personal Finance. With over 5.6 million cyclists nationwide and the average stolen bike valued at £612.80, the total estimated cost of bike theft has skyrocketed to £2.4 billion.
From public streets to private properties, bike theft has become an increasingly prevalent issue, leaving millions of cyclists frustrated and out of pocket. Our study delves into the most affected areas, the methods used by thieves, and the lasting impact on cycling culture in the UK.
Our key findings at a glance
- 70% of UK cyclists have experienced bike theft.
- £2.4 billion - The total estimated cost of stolen bikes across the UK.
- 51% of thefts occur in public places, while 30% happen at home.
- 46% of stolen bikes were locked at the time of theft.
- 59% of victims bought a new bike outright, with many considering finance options.
Proportion of cyclists impacted by bike theft in UK cities
Bike theft is a major concern across UK towns and cities including Bristol which has the largest proportion of cyclists experiencing bike theft (82%), followed closely by Newcastle at 76% and Edinburgh at 74%. Both Liverpool and London had 73% of cyclists falling victim to bike theft in each city.
Where are bikes being stolen - and how?
Novuna’s research found that nearly half of cyclists (42%) felt most at risk of bike theft when it was left at a public rack. This was followed by train stations (17%), outside of the home (16%), and outside of the workplace (10%).
In reality, the majority of thefts (51%) occur in public places, affecting over 2 million cyclists. Even homes aren’t immune, with 30% of bikes being stolen from private properties.
Alarmingly, 46% of thefts happen despite the bike being locked. As a result, 66% of cyclists (approximately 2.5 million people) have upgraded their bike security. For those looking to protect their bikes, organisations like Cycling UK offer expert advice on effective security measures.
The lasting impact of bike theft
The consequences of bike theft go beyond financial losses. Nearly 870,000 cyclists (23%) have reduced how often they ride, and more than 320,000 (9%) have stopped cycling altogether due to theft.
To replace stolen bikes:
- 59% of victims (2.2 million) bought a new bike outright.
- 24% (893,000) claimed on insurance.
- 8% (316,000) opted for a bike finance plan.
Despite these numbers, a significant 4.1 million cyclists said they would consider financing a new bike if theft protection was included.
E-bikes: A target for thieves?
As the popularity of e-bikes continues to surge, they have increasingly become a target for thieves due to their higher value, with prices ranging from several hundred to thousands of pounds.
Take extra precautions by:
- Using a high-quality lock - Opt for a Sold Secure Gold-rated D-lock combined with a secondary chain or cable lock for added protection.
- Locking both the frame and wheels - Since e-bikes have removable parts, securing both the frame and wheels can deter thieves.
- Secure indoor storage - If storing at home, use a ground anchor or indoor bike rack for extra security.
Hear from our experts
“With such a high number of cyclists counting the cost of theft as our research shows, it’s clear that bike security needs to be taken up another gear. A quality lock is essential - even for short stops - and securing bikes properly can help deter thieves.
“It’s concerning to see so many cyclists reducing or stopping riding altogether due to theft. For many, a bike is one of the most valuable items they own, especially if they own an e-bike, and ensuring proper protection to keep bikes as safe and secure as possible is crucial.”Theresa Lindsay
Marketing Director at Novuna Personal Finance
Ready for a new bike?
At Novuna Personal Finance, we're here to help you make your new bike purchase more manageable. Whether it's replacing an old bike, or to help make your home more secure for your current bike, our flexible finance options can make your bike goals achievable.
Methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 UK Cyclists (aged 16+). The data was collected between 21.02.2025 - 25.02.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. The total number of cyclists in the UK was provided by Censuswide and is based on a nationally representative sample of British adults that use a bike as their mode of transport at least once per week.