Removing/cutting bike from private garden fence...
Discussion
Google is being no help and throwing up a bunch of click-bait Daily Mail articles.
I am the joint owner of a wrought iron fence surrounding our private garden in front of our block of flats.
Fence now has the significant risk of members of the public securing their bicycles to our fence which can potentially cause damage as well as being unsightly and many of us owners simply not wanting them there. I think we are well within our rights to have that opinion!
I have seen many signs fixed to fences in similar situations stating bicycles/locks will be removed etc etc.
What is stopping me cutting locks on our fence assuming we attach similar signs? Presumably I'll have to pay for the damaged locks? Or are those signs simply all bark and no bite?
I am the joint owner of a wrought iron fence surrounding our private garden in front of our block of flats.
Fence now has the significant risk of members of the public securing their bicycles to our fence which can potentially cause damage as well as being unsightly and many of us owners simply not wanting them there. I think we are well within our rights to have that opinion!
I have seen many signs fixed to fences in similar situations stating bicycles/locks will be removed etc etc.
What is stopping me cutting locks on our fence assuming we attach similar signs? Presumably I'll have to pay for the damaged locks? Or are those signs simply all bark and no bite?
InitialDave said:
ApexCult said:
No, but fence used to be 1.5 metres about ground level and relatively private. Since today it is now at ground level and in what will be one of the busiest spots in town. Joy.
Sounds like a hell of a subsidence problem you've got there.SiH said:
Is your fence a fairly conventional design, i.e. long horizontal strips with vertical bars placed at regular intervals along it?
Could you modify the fence so that the bars can be lifted upwards and essentially out of the holes in the horizontal strips? That way you could lift the bar up, remove the locked bike from the fence and then slide the bar down again!
I suspect they'd cotton on fairly quickly and chain their bikes to the horizontal part but it might be fun for a while.
Failing that I'd just put up some warning signs and then cut the locks. Who's to know exactly who it was that cut it...?
Now we're thinking!! Like that idea!Could you modify the fence so that the bars can be lifted upwards and essentially out of the holes in the horizontal strips? That way you could lift the bar up, remove the locked bike from the fence and then slide the bar down again!
I suspect they'd cotton on fairly quickly and chain their bikes to the horizontal part but it might be fun for a while.
Failing that I'd just put up some warning signs and then cut the locks. Who's to know exactly who it was that cut it...?
Although I think given some posts above cutting the locks would be viewed rather dimly by the police especially with the amount of CCTV in the area, so I guess the signs I've mentioned are really just a hope for the best rather than anything actionable.
kestral said:
If signs are posted it can be deemed as consent to the locks being cut off. So no criminal damage.
Cutting cycle locks off bikes chained to railings happens every day on railway stations all over the UK.
CDA 1971 section 5. In particular subsection (3) Lawful excuse.
I'm in Scotland, therefore don't think that act will do the trick. Sorry should have said!Cutting cycle locks off bikes chained to railings happens every day on railway stations all over the UK.
CDA 1971 section 5. In particular subsection (3) Lawful excuse.
Edited by ApexCult on Thursday 24th June 21:29
caley64 said:
Railways have lots of their own byelaws:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/railway...
Section 14(4) & 14(5) for removable of bicycle.
NewBod said:
Has the dreaded issue happened yet OP? If so, when will you be cutting your first lock?
Not at home today to check but I've come up with a potential non-damaging solution. Nice sign suggesting not to lock bicycles up and installing a black plastic coated metal mesh that has gaps too small to fit most locks through but isn't immediately obvious. Seems that's what other owners around town have been doing it.
321boost said:
not sure why i get the feeling some posters seem to have a problem with the OP having a problem with someone using THEIR fence. 
I have no idea? I'm just looking to avoid a potential problem but apparently I now need to either invest in Seal Team 6 to be on standby on a nearby rooftop, ban SUVs, or ban cyclists entirely.eharding said:
1) Buy the cheapest, most knackered bicycle you can find
2) Set about it with the heaviest implement you have available, smashing to complete buggery. Make sure the wheels are completely shagged.
3) Slash the saddle, and then set fire to it.
4) Smear the frame liberally with whatever domestic pet excrement you have to hand.
5) Chain your pride and joy discreetly at the end of the fence.
6) Observe how many people are now keen on chaining their own bicycles to your fence.
Sorry, that's outside the design brief of aiming for zero bicycles. (Even if it's my of my own creation!)2) Set about it with the heaviest implement you have available, smashing to complete buggery. Make sure the wheels are completely shagged.
3) Slash the saddle, and then set fire to it.
4) Smear the frame liberally with whatever domestic pet excrement you have to hand.
5) Chain your pride and joy discreetly at the end of the fence.
6) Observe how many people are now keen on chaining their own bicycles to your fence.
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