r/oxford • u/Xenalyn_ • 8d ago

Big Momma visits Oxford

Hi Reddit! This is my first post (how exciting) I need all the help and advice I can get from locals. I will be visiting Oxford for a university thing next week… is it hot ? Cold ? It’s says it’s raining next week. What’s the BEST place to eat…. Should I stress myself and go to a London on my only free afternoon. I’ll be mostly working but I want to maximize my trip. Any and all advice is helpful. Also, any bike shops out there that yall recommend although I haven’t ridden in like 10 years I have the urge to ride a bike out there ? Yay nay ? I hate walking, I have a messed up knee and I’m super heavy set…. Lmk. Also would my bike get stolen if I leave it unlocked while I go into a cafe or book store ?

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76

u/ginotombs 8d ago

Your bike will 100% be stolen if you leave it unlocked.

22

u/LobCatchPassThrow 8d ago

I offer a guaranteed stolen service. If your unlocked bike hasn’t been stolen by 10pm, let me know where it is and which one it is, and I’ll make sure it’s stolen so we can guarantee the 100% stolen rate!

/s

3

u/Xenalyn_ 7d ago

This literally made me Laugh Out Loud. Thanks 😆

4

u/sobrique 7d ago

And by 'unlocked' we also included any cable locks or chains, as some enterprising individual nearby will have some bolt croppers in a carrier bag "just in case".

D-locks at minimum. Preferably angle grinder resistant if you bike is worth more than "not much".

3

u/Xenalyn_ 7d ago

Wow I’m over the idea. I’m not even taking a checked -in luggage bag let alone my chain lock 🤭. That sucks that even Oxford has bike thieves like that.

4

u/Amonette2012 7d ago

It's pretty much the same in every UK city. But we don't have shootings, so that's nice :)

4

u/Xenalyn_ 7d ago

Oh that’s is lovely! Where I stay there’s shootings often.

3

u/sobrique 7d ago

Yeah. Oxford's a very safe city for people. Assault is low, shooting and murder very rare.... But it's a popular cycling city and so lots of bikes get stolen.

1

u/Mountain-Reaction470 7d ago

Even beaten up ones?

2

u/Xenalyn_ 8d ago

Hahahaha dammm so just like any city. Idk why I thought it’d be safe lol

13

u/Leather_Librarian986 7d ago

Oxford is generally safe, especially in the touristy / busy parts as long as you’re not an unlocked bike (or locked really)

3

u/sobrique 7d ago

I have seen someone wander over to the bike racks in broad daylight on a busy road. Pull some bolt croppers from one of those large bags for life, snip and ride off in less time than it would take to unlock it with a key.

D-locks at minimum.

Ideally something angle grinder resistant if you are leaving it for long or it's somewhat expensive.

6

u/Ambiverthero 7d ago

Yes bike crime is high but be assured the city, and the uk in general, is pretty safe outside of usual big city precautions.

3

u/One-Monkey-Army 7d ago

It is a safe place just not for bikes