Keep a Bike Safe

Biking is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around, but thieves frequently take unsecured bicycles to make a quick buck. Luckily, there are many things you can do to protect your bike so it’s less likely to get stolen. Whether you’re storing it long-term or just for a quick stop, locking your bike up will stop someone from riding away with it. Just remember, while locking your bike will deter most potential thieves, they may be able to cut or break the lock if they use more powerful tools.

Steps

Finding a Secure Place

1. Bring your bike indoors if you can. If you’re parking your bike at home, try to store it in a locked garage or shed if you have one available. Otherwise, bring it inside your home and keep it in the corner of a room or at the end of a hallway. If you’re going somewhere in public and you don’t see a bike rack outside, ask an employee if they have a designated bike area out back or if you can bring your bike in with you.
   • If you bike to work, ask your boss if there are any areas where you can store your bike inside, such as in a spare office or storage closet.
   • There are many racks and wall mounts you can buy for hanging your bike at home so it doesn’t take up as much floor space.
2. Park in a busy, well-lit area if you need to leave your bike outside. Find a location that has street lights and lots of foot traffic since it will be more difficult for a thief to take your bike without being seen. Look where other cyclists are keeping their bikes since there may be a designated parking area. Try to avoid darker alleys or side streets since your bike will draw more attention.
   • Always check the street signs in the area to make sure you won’t get fined for using or parking your bike there.
3. Look for a rack or an object fixed to the ground to lock your bike onto. If you find a rack nearby, back your bike into it so the front wheel and handlebars face out. If there isn’t a rack, try to find a tall tree, streetlight post, or fence that’s secured to the ground. Make sure the object is strong enough so it doesn’t break and tall enough so thieves can’t lift your bike over the top.
   • Avoid securing your bike to a street sign since thieves can easily unbolt the sign and take your bike off of the post.Template:Greenbox:'''Tip:''' Keep your bike near the middle of a bike rack if you can so it’s harder for thieves to see and access it.
4. Keep your bike within eyesight if you don’t have a lock. If you’re biking lightweight or you forgot to bring a lock, it may be okay to leave your bike unattended in less busy areas. Park your bike near a window or a door so you can easily glance over to check on it from inside. Keep your stop as short as possible so no one takes your bike.
   • If you want to relax for a little while, check if there’s any outdoor seating. That way, you can stop and enjoy a coffee or water at a cafe in the middle of your ride.

Locking Your Bike

1. Place the bike frame and back wheel tightly against the rack or object. Set your bike down next to the rack or object so the seat tube, the vertical part of the frame in front of the rear wheel, lines up with it. Make sure the frame makes firm contact with the object so your bike doesn’t move around as much.
2. Secure a U-lock around the bike frame, the rear wheel, and the object. U-locks are made from a solid metal bar and are the most secure locks you can use for your bike. Turn the key and pull the U-shaped metal bar out from the cylindrical lock. Position the curved end of the bar around the back of the object so the pointed ends face back toward you. Guide the pointed ends so one goes through the triangle in your bike’s frame and the other goes through the spokes of the rear wheel.
   • You can buy U-locks at a sporting goods store or bike shop. As a rule of thumb, get a lock that’s at least 10% of your bike’s cost. For example, if your bike cost $1,000 USD, then spend at least $100 USD on a high-quality lock.
   • U-locks work great on any sturdy object you can fit them around.
   • Avoid locking only the rear wheel to the rack since thieves can detach it easily and still take your frame.Template:Greenbox:'''Tip:''' If your lock is too small to fit around the wheel and the frame, secure only the frame since it’s the most expensive part of your bike.
3. Loop a cable lock through the front wheel and U-lock for added protection. Your bike’s front wheel may have a quick-release switch so you can easily remove it, but it also makes it easier to steal. Feed one end of a cable lock through the spokes of your front wheel and the other end through the middle of your U-lock. Click the ends of the cable lock together and secure them.
   • Cable locks have thick flexible wires inside them and they use either padlocks or combinations. However, they are easier to cut through so they aren’t as secure as U-locks.
   • You do not have to secure the cable lock around the object you’re locking your bike to.
   • Even if you don’t have a U-lock, using a cable lock may be enough to deter an opportunistic thief.
   • Avoid locking your bike in the same place for multiple days in a row since thieves may target it if they know you won’t notice for a long time.
4. Take removable accessories with you when you leave your bike. Don’t leave any items on your bike that aren’t permanently attached since they could easily be taken off using simple tools. This may include lights, saddlebags, or water bottles. You may also want to remove your seat since they usually pull out pretty easily. Store your items in a backpack or bag until you’re ready to ride again.
   • If you don’t have a cable lock for your front wheel, you can also remove it and bring it with you.
   • If you don’t want to bring your seat with you, secure a small cable lock through the bottom of the seat and around the frame.
5. Lower the gears if you want to make it harder for thieves to ride away. Without pedaling, set your bike to the lowest gear so the chain loosens up. If a thief somehow manages to unlock your bike, the gears will seize up right away when they try to ride it. Just don’t forget to shift your gears back up to where they were before you start riding again.
   • You can also lift the chain off of the gear while you’re away, but your hands may get greasy.

Keeping Records of Your Bike

1. Write down your bike’s serial number so you don’t forget it. Flip your bike upside-down and look at the bottom of the bracket, which is where the pedals connect to the frame. Write down the numbers listed on the bracket to record your bike’s unique serial number. That way, it will be easier to track and find if your bike gets stolen.
   • You may also find the serial number on the seat tube or where the handlebars connect to the frame on the front of your bike.
2. Take pictures of your bike. Set up shots from the front and side so you can easily see the colors and designs on the frame. If there are any noticeable features, like dents, scratches, or cosmetic damage, take close-up images so you can see the detail. Include a picture of the serial number as well since it's unique to your bike and can be used for identification in case someone steals it.
   • Whenever you change something cosmetically on your bike, update your pictures so they stay current.
3. Register your bike online so it’s easier to find if it gets stolen. Registering your bike doesn’t prevent it from getting stolen, but it helps law enforcement and other cyclists recognize your bike. When you register your bike, include information about the make, model, color, and any other distinguishing features. Add pictures and your bike’s serial number to the registration as well. If someone steals your bike, report it stolen on the registry so other cyclists and law enforcement know to keep their eyes out for it.
   • You can register your bike for free online here: https://bikeindex.org/.Template:Greenbox:'''Tip:''' Check if your city or college campus has bike registration since they may offer additional protections and services.
4. Report your bike to the police as soon as possible if it goes missing. If you ever lose your bike, don’t panic and tell your local law enforcement right away. Give them any pictures you have of your bike as well as information about the serial number. Hopefully, they’ll be able to recover your bike quickly without any damage.
   • Many times, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover your bike if it's stolen. Talk to your insurance provider about how much coverage you have.

Tips

• Try painting or decorating your bike with prominent colors. That way, thieves are less likely to target your bike since it’s more recognizable.

Warnings

• No lock is 100% theft-proof if someone uses the right tools, but taking time to secure your bike will deter most opportunistic thieves.
• Avoid only locking the wheels since thieves could easily take other parts that aren’t secure.

Things You’ll Need

• U-lock
• Cable or chain lock

References

See also

• Switch Your Bike from Fixed Gear to Single Speed
• Endo a Pedal Bike
• Unlock an oBike
• Get Back on a Bicycle As an Adult
• Choose an E Bike
• Carry Cargo on a Bike
• Make a Rear Bike Mount
• Increase the Mileage of a 200 Cc Bike to Around 40 45 Kmpl
• Sell a Bike
• Size a Mountain Bike

Read more ...