Vikki Slade MP launches petition to secure bike lockers at Dorset railway stations

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has launched a new petition calling for secure bike lockers to be installed at railway stations, as part of her ongoing campaign to tackle bike theft. 

The petition follows growing concern about the scale of bike theft across Dorset. In the twelve months to March 2025, Dorset Police recorded 638 bike theft offences, yet just 21 cases – around 3.3% – resulted in a charge or summons.

Secure bike lockers, which cost around £4,000 and fit into a single car parking space, can store up to six bikes. With the value of bikes – particularly e-bikes – rising, unsecured racks leave commuters exposed to theft.

Vikki Slade MP said:

“Rail travel should make life easier, not more stressful. Cycling to the station is cheaper, healthier and better for the environment, but only if people can trust their bike will still be there when they get home. Secure bike lockers are a simple, sensible step that would make a real difference.”

”It is not unreasonable to ask railway companies to take simple steps to help their customers protect their property particularly given that in 2024 over 4000 bicycles were stolen from UK railway stations with only 22 leading to a criminal charge.”

The petition is aimed at demonstrating clear local demand, after South Western Railway said it needed evidence of community support before backing the installation of lockers.

It builds on Vikki’s long-standing focus on bike crime. Last year she backed calls for Operation Bike Bait, a dedicated national unit within the National Crime Agency to tackle bike theft. She also joined Dorset Police on patrol to see first-hand the work officers are doing to prevent theft and co-hosted a bike-marking event with local councillors.

Vikki added:

“Too many victims are being let down, both by the initial theft taking place and then by poor follow-up afterwards. Secure storage won’t solve everything, but it will reduce opportunities for crime and give commuters peace of mind.”

To learn more about the petition or sign the petition, click the button below.