How to park your motorbike safely

You’ve passed your test, and it won’t be long until you hit the road. But before you do, you may be keen to learn how and where to park. After all, a poorly parked bike can be at risk of damage, theft, or even fines—so it’s worth knowing the dos and don’ts before you set off.

This guide provides information you need to help park your motorcycle safely in the UK. You’ll find answers to common questions about where to park legally, how to help protect your bike against theft, and what to do in different weather conditions.

Where can you legally park your motorcycle in the UK?

Motorbike parking rules in the UK differ from place to place. But generally, motorcycles can be parked in:

Car parks

One option is a car park. But with far less bike spaces than car spaces, it can be tricky to secure a spot, particularly during peak times. If spaces are in short supply, you could stow your bike in hatched areas (the areas marked by diagonal lines) and between bays—although this comes with a higher chance of damage from surrounding vehicles.

You’ll also need to check with the car parking attendants to see if you’re permitted to use the small space. This is important as you could face a fine if you park there and it’s not allowed.

If it is allowed, another option is to use a car parking bay. If you do park in one, be sure to chain up your bike, as you don’t want it bumped out of the space, which could result in a fine for illegal or obstructive parking.

On the road

Parking your motorcycle is permitted on some roads, but not every road. Our advice here is to pay close attention to the road signs around you.

See a ‘no parking’ or a double red or a double red or yellow line? Check if they permit parking at certain times during the day. If they don’t, it’s best to play it safe and avoid parking here, as you could be fined if you park there when parking isn’t permitted.

Pay and display

There isn’t a standard rule for pay and displays, as they tend to differ depending on where you park. So, we advise you to check to see if the pay and display you’re at allows motorcycle parking.

Bicycle bays

It’s not illegal to park in spaces designed for pedal bikes, as long as they’re not on pavements. But the problem is you can’t ride your motorbike on a footpath to reach the bay.

You could dismount and wheel your motorbike to get to the space, although it might not win you any fans with pushbike users.

On the pavement

In some places, parking your motorcycle on the pavement is perfectly fine as long as it doesn’t cause an obstruction. But in other places, like London, it’s illegal no matter what. So, if you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Look for an alternative parking spot to save yourself a potential fine.

How to safely park your motorcycle

Okay, so you’ve found yourself a nice spot. The next step is to park it safely—here’s what to do:

• Face your bike outwards: Reverse into the parking space so your motorcycle faces the direction of traffic. This not only makes your bike more visible but also allows you to drive away without any awkward manoeuvring.
• Park at an angle: Position your bike at an angle to the curb. This increases its visibility to other drivers, reducing the risk of accidental bumps or scrapes.
• Hide your personal belongings: Do you have gadgets or gear on your bike? Either remove them or lock them away in a secure compartment to deter opportunistic thieves.
• Use anchor points: If there are anchor points available, lock your motorcycle to one. This adds an extra layer of security by preventing it from being manually moved.
• Choose well-lit areas: Always opt for well-lit spots, especially at night. Bright areas deter thieves and make it easier for you to check on your bike.
• Secure with locks: Invest in high-quality locks, chains, or disc locks. These are essential for keeping your bike safe from theft.

How to park your motorcycle on a hill

Parking up on a hill is a tricky task and without the right technique, your bike could fall and get damaged. Thankfully, that shouldn’t happen if you:

1. Face your bike uphill: Park with the front of your motorcycle facing uphill. This helps prevent the bike from rolling forward and keeps it stable.
2. Adjust for the incline: The right angle is crucial on an incline. If the back of the space is higher than the front, pull into the space, so your front tyre is at the higher end. This makes it easier to back out later.
3. Use hill hold control: If your bike has electronic hill hold control, now’s a great time to use it. It keeps your bike steady and secure while you park.
4. Engage low gear: Shifting to low gear while manoeuvring helps with control and stability as you ease your bike into the space.
5. Angle the front wheel: Turn your front wheel toward the curb or another solid surface. This reduces the chances of any unwanted rolling and adds extra stability.

How to park your motorcycle on the street

Sadly, bike theft is on the rise. In fact, over 9,000 scooters were stolen in London last year alone. The good news is you can help keep your ride protected by:

• Parking in a well-lit area: Park your bike in a well-lit area where it’s visible to passersby and CCTV cameras. The more exposure, the better as opportunistic thieves are far less likely to target a bike that’s in plain sight.
• Investing in an anti-theft system: Alarms work as an instant deterrent, as most thieves don’t want to attract attention, while immobilisers prevent hot-wiring. A GPS tracker can be a lifesaver if your bike does get stolen.
• Chaining it to something sturdy: If there’s a dedicated ground anchor, use it. Otherwise, a lamppost, railings, or a secure bike rack will do the trick. Go for a high-quality, thick chain (the flimsier ones can be cut through in seconds) and secure it through the frame.
• Using a ground anchor for overnight parking: These secure fixtures are drilled into the ground, making it virtually impossible for thieves to lift and load your bike into a van.

 How to park your motorcycle in the rain

In Britain, rain is a given if you’re riding frequently. Here’s how to get to grips with it:

• Cover up: A waterproof motorbike cover prevents water from seeping into delicate components and helps protect your paintwork from prolonged exposure to moisture. Plus, it adds a little extra security as thieves are less likely to target a covered bike since they can’t instantly see what’s underneath.
• Watch out for water pooling: Before you park, take a second to check your surroundings. Avoid spaces where water collects—standing water can lead to corrosion over time, affecting your bike’s chain, brakes, and other exposed parts. If you can, park on slightly higher ground or a well-drained area to keep your bike dry underneath.
• Waterproof your seat: No one likes sitting on a soggy seat. A quick spray of water repellent on your saddle will stop it from soaking up moisture, meaning you won’t have to deal with a slippery or damp ride when you return.

What should you do when you leave your motorcycle parked

Wherever you park, there are a few things to check before walking away:

• Secure your bike: Use a fixed object, like a lamp post, or a ground anchor if there is one. A sturdy chain and lock make it much harder for thieves to move or lift your motorcycle.
• Apply the steering lock: Engaging your bike’s steering lock can help prevent thieves from wheeling it away.
• Use a cover (when needed): If you’re leaving your bike for a while, a motorbike cover protects it from the elements and prying eyes. If it’s just a quick stop, you can skip this step—but for overnight or long-term parking, a cover is a smart move.
• Choose a safe location: Well-lit, busy areas are best for security, while sheltered spots help protect against bad weather. If you’re parking long-term, consider a dedicated motorcycle parking space.
• Keep the battery charged (for long-term parking): Consider using a battery tender if you’re leaving your bike unused for an extended period. This keeps your battery charged so you don’t return to a dead bike when you’re ready to ride again.

What to do with your motorcycle helmet when you park

You’ve parked up and secured your bike, but what about your helmet? Leaving it unattended could make it an easy target for theft or damage, so it’s important to store it safely.

• Take it with you: The safest option is to carry your helmet—either in hand or in a backpack or helmet bag. This way, you don’t have to worry about theft or weather damage. Some bikes also have built-in storage compartments under the seat, so check if yours can accommodate a helmet.
• Use a helmet lock: If carrying your helmet isn’t practical, a cable helmet lock is the next best thing. These locks let you secure your helmet to your bike—often looping through the chin strap or a designated locking point—so you can leave it behind helping to avoid the risk of it disappearing.

Whether you take it with you or lock it up, don’t leave your helmet sitting loose on your bike as it’s an easy target for opportunistic thieves.

Protect your motorbike with Devitt

Hopefully you now feel more confident about how and where to park. However, parking isn’t the only thing you need to be mindful of when it comes to protecting yourself and your ride. That’s where we can help.

With our range of motorcycle insurance policies, you can find a policy that’s suitable for your needs—whether you’re commuting daily, riding for leisure, or even have multiple bikes to insure.

Plus, with Devitt motorbike insurance you also get:

• Prices: Cover without breaking the bank.
• 24/7 claims reporting line: Report claims anytime with our around-the-clock helpline.
• Instant documents: Receive your insurance details right away by email.
• Friendly UK support: Talk to our helpful and knowledgeable UK-based team.

Get a quote today and ride with confidence, knowing you have protection wherever you’re headed with Devitt.

 

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.

You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.