Finding a decent spot to lock up your bike in Stamford can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt sometimes, can’t it? You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself circling round looking for somewhere safe to leave your trusty steed whilst you nip into town for a coffee or a quick shop – the purple markers in the map below show you some of the best places to park.
After years of riding in and out of Stamford for club rides, commutes and those essential coffee stops, I’ve got to know all the proper bike rack locations pretty well. Keep reading to find out where you’ll actually find somewhere decent to lock up.
The Main Bike Racks
North Street Car Park is probably your best bet for longer stops in town. The Sheffield stands near the close to the pay points are properly positioned and there’s decent foot traffic which means good natural surveillance. I’ve used these loads of times – never had any bother and you’re literally seconds from the High Street shops.
Just outside the opticians on the High Street, you’ll find more Sheffield stands that are brilliantly positioned. They’re right in the thick of things but not so close to shop doorways that you’re blocking pedestrians. Perfect for those quick pharmacy runs or when you’re grabbing supplies from Tesco Express before a ride.
The racks outside Pizza da Mario have become a bit of an unofficial meeting point for some of our club rides and are always well used – there’s something about the spot that just works for quick hellos before we roll out towards Uffington. The stands are well-positioned and you can keep an eye on your bike through the restaurant windows if you’re grabbing a bite.
Waitrose car park on West Street offers decent parking within their grounds, with good lighting and clear sightlines from the store entrance. Handy for the weekly shop, though I’d still recommend bringing your best lock – it’s worth the extra weight for peace of mind.
Stamford Railway Station Bike Racks
The station racks are essential if you’re combining cycling with rail travel – brilliant for those days when you want to cycle to the station then train it to Peterborough for a different route home, or when you’re heading to events further afield.
The station provides standard cycle parking on the platform side, and whilst it’s not covered, the positioning gives decent natural surveillance. Just remember the golden rules: always use a proper D-lock through your rear triangle and the stand, plus a cable or second lock for your front wheel. Keep locks off the ground to make bolt-cutters harder to use effectively.
What’s Coming Next?
Things are looking up for cycle parking in Stamford. The council’s transport strategy mentions plans for more bike racks and by working with the local transport committee, I’ll see if more racks can be added on the High Street.
Security Tips When Parking Up
After chatting with plenty of club members who’ve had bikes nicked over the years, or know somebody that has, here’s what seems to makes a difference:
- Location matters more than you’d think. Those racks by the opticians and outside Pizza da Mario get decent foot traffic and good lighting – much better than tucked-away corners where someone can work on your locks undisturbed.
- Two locks beat one every time. Try to carry a D-lock for the rear triangle and rack, plus a cable for the front wheel. Yes, it adds weight, but it’s nothing compared to the hassle of losing your bike.
- Keep valuable accessories with you. Lights, computers, pumps – anything that’s not permanently attached should come with you.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – Stamford could do with more bike parking. The existing spots work well enough, but on busy market days or during events, you sometimes end up having to be creative with where you lock up. The demand is definitely there, especially with more people cycling for everyday trips rather than just weekend rides.
The good news is that the council seems to get this. The transport strategy shows they’re taking cycling infrastructure seriously, which hopefully means we’ll see more proper Sheffield stands appearing around the town centre.
For now, these five main spots will sort you out for most trips into town. Just remember – the best bike rack is the one you actually use with a proper lock, not the convenient lamppost round the corner!
If you know of any other locations of bike racks – drop a comment below.
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