Insurance warning to cyclists

Cyclists have been urged by an insurance provider to ensure that they are taking adequate steps to protect their wheels.

Halifax Home Insurance notes figures from the British Crime Survey revealed a bike is stolen on average every 65 seconds in the UK.

According to the firm, London remains the country's bicycle theft capital, followed by Bristol, Reading and Chester .

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, said that these figures were shocking.

While cycling has many benefits for people's health and also the environment, it is important that people take adequate measures to protect their cycles and also make sure they are insured, both in the home and also when out in public places, he commented.

The insurance firm issued its warning ahead of National Bike Week which runs until June 22nd 2008.

Bike Week, which includes a number of events across the country, is aimed at encouraging people to choose to cycle rather than take their cars .

Halifax advises cyclists to lock their bikes using a U-type lock and to mark their frame with an ultraviolet pen .