What's new

Cycling to Drayton Manor

BigCraig

BigCraig

I'm on the cusp of buying my first e-bike. (LEGAL) (insert link here)

My legs don't work as well as they once did, hence my need for buying an e-bike.

I recently discovered that it's possible to ride direct from Birmingham to DM via the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, approximately 15 miles from start to finish.

Has anyone here tried that bike ride? Is it do-able?

Next question is how safe will my bike be when I arrive?

There's a rail where bikes are chained to. Can guests use this, or is it staff only?

How safe is it?

There's CCTV, but they appear to be pointing in other directions.

Ebikes are very expensive these days, and I will need to pay for insurance. Insurance claims for theft almost always require cctv for recompense.

Is there a safer place in DM to park a bike or will this do?

Sorry for all the questions. :)



Screenshot 2026-02-18 183225.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Haz
Looking at the new google street view of DM, there may be other options to chain a bike. :)

First option is right next to the Hotel.

Second option, futher down from the Hotel, there's another option to chain up. :)

Other options, but what I need to know, is it safe there? The ebike I'm going to buy will cost the best part of £3K - so I will need insurance, and wiill need CCTV to cover me if my bike is stolen. :)

Are we allowed to park bikes in the Hotel grounds?




Screenshot 2026-02-21 025251.pngScreenshot 2026-02-21 025138.png
 
I can well imagine that the park has a sustainable transport policy - any planning application would want to see that there is one. There must be some facilities for bikes.
 
I bit the bullet and bought my new bike today. Delivery due on Tuesday. :)

I can't wait. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas!

However I'm not sure if visiting DM on my bike is going to be viable :(

That bike fence at the entrance is not a safe place to park a bike. It would take seconds for a bike thief + angle grinder to remove a bike from that fence. They wouldn't even target the locks, they would just cut through the fence, and it would take less than 10 seconds. :(

Other more stealthy thieves wouldn't even use a grinder - they just use pipe cutters :(

There's many vids of bikes being stolen on the internet, and just watching them makes my blood boil.

I wonder if there is any flexibilty with the peeps that run DM to allow me to park my bike somewhere safer? Maybe inside the park? Is this possible?

I know what you're all gonna say - send an email and ask!

Email to whom, tho? (please don't give the generic link) I'll just get an AI reply!

Actually, if anyone knows Victoria's email address please enlighten me. Maybe she could help?

:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top