How to Stop a Bike Cover Blowing Off in the Wind

A cover that ends up in next door’s hedge is no use to anyone. Covers blow off for three reasons: they are the wrong size, they are not fastened, or the bike is parked in the worst of the wind. All three are easy to fix.

Which BikeParka for your bike? Road, hybrid and commuter bikes: STASH or URBAN · Mountain bikes and wider handlebars: XL / MTB · Longtails: Longtail, or Longtail WS with child seats fitted · Front-loader cargo bikes: Cargo · Not sure? Compare all covers or Find Your Fit by make and model.

1. Get the size right

A cover far too big for the bike fills with wind like a sail. One that is too small rides up and leaves the wheels exposed to every gust. Search your model in Find Your Fit, or see how to measure a bike.

2. Pull the toggles in

BikeParka covers have an elasticated hem and toggle adjusters. Once the cover is on, pull the toggles so the fabric sits closer to the bike and the elastic holds around the wheels. It takes a few seconds, and it is the step most often skipped.

3. Put the lock through the cover

The URBAN, Longtail, Longtail WS and Cargo have lock-through slots on both sides. Run your lock through the cover and around the bike, and the lock holds the cover as well as the bike.

4. Tie the hem on a STASH or XL / MTB

These two have no lock-through slots. They do have a small eyelet at the hem, big enough for a piece of cord, so you can tie the bottom of the cover to the bike in rough weather. It is not made for a lock.

5. Park out of the wind line

Against a wall or in a corner, on the sheltered side of the house. Side passages and gaps between buildings funnel wind, so the obvious tucked-away spot is sometimes the worst one.

6. Make sure the bike cannot fall

A covered bike presents more surface to the wind, and a bike on a kickstand can go over in a gale. Lean it against a wall, or lock it upright to a stand or ground anchor.

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Covers and wind: common questions

How do I stop my bike cover blowing away?

Use a cover sized to the bike, pull the toggles in, and where the cover has lock-through slots run your lock through them. Park against a wall out of the prevailing wind.

Will a BikeParka stay on in a storm?

Yes, if it is fastened. Pull the toggles in, and on the URBAN, Longtail, Longtail WS and Cargo run your lock through the lock-through slots so it holds the cover as well as the bike.

Why does my bike cover flap?

Usually because it is too big for the bike or the toggles have not been pulled in. Flapping fabric catches more wind, and that is what works a cover loose.

Can a covered bike blow over?

Yes, in strong wind, especially on a kickstand. Lean the bike against a wall or lock it upright to something fixed.