Security Tips All Cyclists Should Know

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Security Tips All Cyclists Should Know

• Presented by Golden Locksmith TX

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Cycling is an important part of many peoples
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?
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Cycle Security

• The FBIs 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.

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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.

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Different bike locks

• There are various bike locks on offer

Locks and bolts
Look for products that have been tested against
attack and are resistant for one minute or more.
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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.

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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.

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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.