What to do if…
your bicycle tyre punctures and you do not have the tools to fix it

What to do now

1. Move to a safer pause point. Dismount and push the bike to the nearest lower-risk spot: a wide verge, a quiet side street, a car park entrance, a shop frontage, or another well-lit public area.
2. Make yourself visible. If it is dark or the weather is poor, turn on your lights if you have them, move away from the traffic edge where possible, and stand where drivers and cyclists can see you clearly.
3. Do a quick no-tools check. Look for an obvious sharp object, split tyre, loose valve, or tyre bead that has come off the rim. If you can remove a visible thorn or glass safely without touching it directly, do that; otherwise stop checking and avoid turning this into a roadside repair.
4. Stop riding if the tyre is flat. Walk the bike instead. If the wheel drags, the tyre is coming off, or the rim is hitting the ground, slow down and push carefully so the bike does not twist or catch.
5. Choose the least-stress exit plan.
   • Walk to help: Use your phone to find the nearest open bike shop, petrol station, supermarket, café, railway station, or other public place where you can stand warm and dry while you call.
   • Walk and get transport: Arrange a pickup from someone you trust, book a taxi that can take the bike, or check whether nearby public transport can take your bike.
6. Check the bike rule before heading to a station or stop.
   • TfL: Folded cycles can generally be taken at any time on almost all TfL services, but a bus driver may refuse if it is too busy. Non-folded cycles have service and time restrictions, and non-folded cycles cannot be taken on TfL buses or trams.
   • National Rail: Many train operators allow bikes, but some require a cycle space reservation or have restrictions. Folding bikes are generally allowed if they can be stowed as luggage. Check the specific train company’s cycle policy before you commit to a station.
7. If you are on a fast or exposed road, prioritise getting off it. Take the first safe turn onto a quieter road or path, or aim for a nearby business frontage such as a petrol station or shop rather than staying on a narrow verge.
8. If you must leave the bike briefly as a last resort: Move it out of the way, lock it to a solid object where it will not obstruct anyone, take a clear photo of where it is, and remove easy-to-steal items such as lights, bags, and a bike computer.