Bicycle storage and security
A range of facilities, tools and support are available to keep your bicycle safe on campus
Need help?
The Security team are on hand to support you in keeping your bike safe. If you need to reach them, the SafeZone app is the quickest and most efficient way. Contact numbers by campus are available on the Security website.
Storing your bicycle on campus
A variety of bicycle stores are available across our campuses so that you have a place to store your bike during the day.
Registering for access
Some of our bicycle stores are access-controlled and you will need to register for access before using them - a list of which require registration is below.
If you do need to register, you will need to submit the bike storage registration form. You'll need your frame number; this is normally stamped on the frame by the pedals. If there is no frame number you can email Nigel Ward, asking for your frame to be engraved. Once this has been done, you can register your bike.
Long-term storage
Imperials bike parking facilities are not for long term storage. If you need to leave your bike secured for more than a continuous three-week period you must inform the South Kensington Security Control room who will make note of this.
Between July and September, notices will be affixed to all bicycles on our campus to determine which ones have been left behind by students or staff who have left. After one month, if these notices are still on any of the bikes, the bikes will be removed and donated to Imperial College Union for their annual bike auction that takes place in October. Any bikes that are not claimed during this process will be donated to a charity.
This ensures that space is available for new arrivals and ensures that abandoned bikes find new homes.
Where to store your bicycle
Bicycle stores for students and staff
| Location | Type of storage/access | Spaces (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| South Kensington | ||
| Beit Quadrangle | Sheffield stands, covered | 70 |
| Blackett | Sheffield stands, not covered - registration required | 240 |
| Faculty Building | Semi-upright stands, covered - registration required | 590 |
| Faculty Building surrounding area | Sheffield stands, not covered | 176 |
| Faculty Building double stacking units | Double stacking units | 102 |
| RCS1 | Sheffield stands, not covered | 144 |
| Southside | Semi-upright stands, covered - registration required | 150 |
| Charing Cross | ||
| Reynolds Building | External racks | 100 |
| Parsons House | Secure storage - registration required | 68 |
| Hammersmith | ||
| B-Block South (Old U-Block) | Secure storage - registration required | 89 |
| North Acton | ||
| Kemp Porter Buildings | Secure storage - registration needed | |
| Woodward Buildings | Secure storage - registration needed |
|
| Royal Brompton | ||
| Emmanuel Kaye Building | Inner courtyard, no racks | n/a |
| Guy Scadding Building | External racks, not covered | 16 |
| White City | ||
| Main car park (next to GradPad) | External racks, not covered | |
| I-HUB | Cycle hoops, not covered |
The College accepts no liability for loss or damage to your bicycle. You are strongly recommended to follow the security guidance provided below.
Bicycle stores for visitors
Whilst our cycle stores are for staff and students, visitors to campus can use one of our cycle lockers. These are based in two locations:
- Unwin Road, adjacent to Skempton Building
- Armstrong Road, opposite Flowers Building
Booking in advance: Departments can book visitor lockers in advance by contacting the Car Park Booking Office and providing an account code. No deposit will be required. Visitors can then pick up a key from the Security gatehouse in Imperial College Road; visitors will be required to leave contact details and the name of the person they are visiting.
On demand: If no booking has been made, keys can be picked up from the Security gatehouse for a maximum of 24 hours; a £10 deposit is required.
The College accepts no liability for loss or damage to your bicycle. You are strongly recommended to take out appropriate insurance cover.
Keeping your bicycle safe
Use an approved lock
Always use a high-quality 'Sold Secure' lock. ABUS 'D' bike locks can be bought at the Security Office in Sherfield Building - these normally retail for around £95 but are available to staff and students for £45.
Register and insure
You should always register your bicycle at the National Cycle Database, and ensure you note down the make, model, serial number and any other identifying features. We also highly recommend that you insure your bike with the appropriate cover.
Keep vigilant
When accessing secured bike stores, ensure that no one enters behind you. If you are unsure of their identity, ask to see their ID card or contact Security.