Cycle team producing great results a year on from launch

Nearly one illegal e-bike or e-scooter has been seized every day since the City of London Police’s Cycle Response Unit was formed in July last year.

The force’s cycle officers have confiscated more than 300 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in the Square Mile and since the team was introduced last summer, 1,229 fixed penalty notices have been issued to cyclists, which include going through red lights or putting themselves, other cyclists and pedestrians at risk.

The City of London Police relaunched its cycling capability to help combat phone snatching, as well as other offences like drug and road offences. The cycle team has also stepped-up efforts to stop and check e-bikes, making sure they are road worthy.

Since July 2023, the Cycle Response Unit has also:

• made 118 arrests, including knife crime, possession with intent to supply and driving under the influence;
• given key advice and guidance to 11,325 people; and
• security marked 289 bikes, which helps deters potential thieves as a marked bike can be easily traced if it is stolen. 

As part of the force’s education, engagement and enforcement work, a cycle roadshow is being held outside Mansion House on Wednesday 7 August 2024.

As well as offering free bike markings, officers will be cracking down on anti-social behaviour and road offences. Cyclists going through red lights and endangering pedestrians and other road users will be issued with an invitation to attend the free roadshow taking place between 8am and 10am. Refusal to attend will result in a £50 fine.

Chief Superintendent Bill Duffy, of the City of London Police, said:

“We relaunched the cycle team following concerns from the community around road safety and anti-social behaviour and it has made a huge difference in the City, as one of our units people see on the streets.

“Despite being a small team, this dedicated group of officers has made huge strides in education, engagement and enforcement in the Square Mile.

“Cycle officers are able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and since their relaunch last summer, this team has made a significant difference in reducing anti-social behaviour by road users in the City of London.”

The seized e-bikes are those which have been modified and illegally converted to have a motor greater than 250 watt and include a throttle that means the rider no longer needs to propel the pedals to trigger the power assistance. Legal e-bikes are not permitted to exceed 15.5mph and the motor will cut out if the maximum speed is hit. Illegal bikes have been seen doing nearly double the permitted limit.

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said:

“These figures show the force’s Cycle Squad is playing an essential part in policing the City.

“The team not only keeps our communities safe but directly addresses some of the force’s priority crime types, like phone snatching.

“While the Square Mile may be small, transport here is dynamic, so encouraging people to use our streets in harmony is essential.

“We know most people behave responsibly. But the City of London Police will engage with those who do not and seek to educate and enforce where necessary - including issuing fixed penalty fines and seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.”

Earlier this year, the City of London Police Authority Board received £1 million funding from the Home Office to prevent serious violence and anti-social behaviour with ‘hotspot’ policing initiatives.

Part of this funding has been allocated towards the Cycle Response Unit to help the team’s continued efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour and road offences and keeping visitors, workers and residents safe.