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Photomap
& Journey planner

Police cycle auction

Cambridge Cycling Campaign regularly receives requests for information about auctions of bikes, so we have created this webpage to contain all the information we know about.

Cycle auctions in Cambridgeshire

A cycle auction used to take place regularly in Cambridge; however, we understand the auctioneer became ill and ceased running the auction. The Cambridge cycle auction is no longer running.

Online cycle auctions are run by Bumblebee Auctions, UK police property disposal.

We understand the nearest auctions which take place are in Ramsey. Unfortunately, Ramsey is a long way out from Cambridge (33 miles - about 1 hour by car!) as their map shows.

Risks of buying a bike at an auction: When goods are auctioned the buyer does not have the same rights as if they had bought them from a shop. Items presented as "bicycles" at an auction may fall well short of the standard that a bike would have to meet if sold through a bike shop. In some cases they may even be dangerous or illegal to ride, even if it was at a "Police Auction". Some photos on our photomap [1] [2] [3] [4] give a brief idea of the process. There is little opportunity to examine the bikes, let alone take a test ride or see if they fit you. Often the bikes are just piled in a big stack. However, if you know what you are looking for you may be able to get a bargain. Don't get carried away though - some bikes go for more than the new price in a shop.

Buy a new bike instead

We have long held concerns about the selling of abandoned bikes because many were simply not roadworthy. Your best option is definitely to buy a new bike, which will not be much more expensive.

We encourage cyclists to purchase a bike from a bike shop to ensure that it is correctly tuned and safe to ride. Supermarket-style flat-packed bikes are also liable to result in not being set up properly.

Avoid the very cheapest bikes as they will fail fairly quickly. Also make sure you spend at least 10-20% of the value of the bike on a good lock, and get some lights.

Discounts at bike shops

Membership of the Campaign entitles you to discounts at many local Cambridge bike shops. Please join the Campaign.