Security Tips All Cyclists Should

Know

Presented by Golden Locksmith TX

Cycling is an important part of many people’s lives. It is how people get to work, how they exercise, and the way they just generally get around. As the community grows, so does the

opportunity for theft. A growing concern for those that ride is often how they will secure their bike. How secure will the bike be when it is locked up? In this article, we will take a look at

some of the statistics, some of the expert advice, and do some speculating. What are the criminals doing to steal these bikes? If we know the methods of attack we will better understand the available protections. What does the market offer crooks? And what does the market offer bike users, in terms of protection?

Cycle Security

The FBI’s most recent statistic on bicycle theft has the number at 190,703 stolen annually. The claim of most bicycle centered websites is that the number is much higher. The Bike Index in

Canada found that 76% of the bikes that were being stolen were valued under $500. Bicycle theft is preventable though.

Cycle Security Tips• Don't leave your bike in isolated places.• Park your bike safely and considerately where it will not cause a danger or

obstruction to others.• Always lock your bike when you leave it, even if it is only for a minute

while you pop into a local shop.• Secure your bike to immovable objects like cycle anchors or robust street

furniture e.g trees, parking meters, railings (but do observe requests not to use them), it stops it being carried away.

• Lock your bicycle through the frame.• Lock the wheels and other detachable parts.• Remove the smaller parts which cannot be secured and take them with

you when you can, especially lights and quick release saddles.

Different bike locksThere are various bike locks on offer

Locks and boltsLook for products that have been tested against attack and are resistant for

one minute or more.

Bike Lock Tips

• Some locks offer virtually no security and can simply be pulled apart. 'D' or 'U' locks may look strong but the security they offer varies widely.

• Thin cable locks can easily be cut, but the better ones are thicker and have interwoven threads that force any attacker to spend longer 'chewing' through them.

• Horseshoe locks, fixed to the frame around the back wheel are strong. Use with an extension cable or second lock to secure to an immovable object.

Mark your bike

• Marking your bike can act as a deterrent to theft and may also help the police to return it to you if it is stolen and subsequently recovered.

• If you are unlucky enough to have your bike stolen, you can check the Bike Index website to see if yours has been found.

• Make sure you record details about your bike such as make, model, frame number and color. It will help you describe the bike to police officers and increase the chance of recovery.

Bike Marking Tips• Security marking should be clearly visible. Hidden marks do not deter theft

unless they are backed up by visible ones - a tamper proof label for instance.• Make sure your security marking is permanent. It's no good if it comes off

easily!• Place markings in two separate locations on your bike, and not on any part

which is removable.• Give clear information that will quickly lead the finder to the owner of the

bike.• You can buy easy to use property marking kits from stationers and DIY

stores and many bike shops provide this service too.