Free bike marking and safety events taking place at Calderstones Park this August

Merseyside Police is teaming up with Liverpool City Council and Hype Urban Bikes to host a series of free community cycling events at Calderstones Park throughout August.

The events are designed to help prevent bike theft, improve cycle safety and encourage more people across Liverpool to enjoy cycling with confidence.

Taking place every Friday in August outside The Reader at Calderstones Park, the sessions form part of Merseyside Police’s ongoing Operation Gears initiative, which focuses on tackling bicycle theft and robbery, disrupting offenders and helping cyclists better protect their bikes.

Visitors will be able to access a range of free services, including bike marking and security registration, bike health and safety checks, and practical advice on keeping bicycles secure.

Families and cyclists of all ages will also have the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Hype Urban Bikes about cycling, active travel and community safety.

A key part of the events will be free bike marking and registration using BikeRegister, the UK’s national cycle database.

Registering and security marking a bicycle can help deter thieves while also making it easier for police to identify recovered bikes and return them to their rightful owners.

Through Operation Gears, Merseyside Police continues to work alongside partners to tackle theft and robbery involving bicycles, identify offenders and raise awareness of simple measures cyclists can take to reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime.

The free cycling events are taking place every Friday throughout August outside The Reader at Calderstones Park.

Liverpool Neighbourhood Sergeant Sadie Harker said:

“Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, travel sustainably and enjoy our local communities, but we know concerns about theft can discourage people from getting on their bikes.

“These events are a great opportunity for residents to take practical steps to protect their property through free bike marking and security registration, while also receiving expert advice on safe cycling and bike maintenance.

“The first event last Friday proved extremely popular, with officers marking and registering more than 20 bikes. It was great to see so many people taking advantage of the opportunity to protect their bikes.

“Working together with Liverpool City Council and Hype Urban Bikes allows us to engage directly with the community, support active travel and continue our efforts to tackle the criminality associated with bike theft and robbery across Merseyside.”

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods & Streetscene, said:

“These events are a great example of partners coming together to support residents and strengthen our communities.

“By offering free bike marking, registration and safety checks, we’re helping people take simple but effective steps to protect their property and reduce the risk of bike theft.

“The sessions also provide a valuable opportunity for residents to speak directly with local officers and partners, access practical advice and enjoy cycling with greater confidence.

“We’re pleased to be working alongside Merseyside Police and Hype Urban Bikes on this initiative and would encourage people of all ages to come along and make use of the free services available.”

Event Information

Venue: Outside The Reader, Calderstones Park

Dates: Every Friday throughout August

Times: 10am to 2pm

• 14 August
• 21 August
• 28 August

The events are free to attend and open to all members of the community.

For more information and advice on keeping bikes safe, visit the website.