The way you treat your bike tells how important it is to you. Giving it a little more attention goes is something that usually pays off. After all, your bike isn’t just for adventure rides; there are many people who’d love to have a bike like the one you own – robbers included.
Spend a little time and money to improve the security of your bike. In addition, here are some foolproof tips on how to reduce the chances of getting it stolen. Although locks can have some very creative and romantic uses, they still remain one of the most basic and available security devices for everyday use.
How to Lock your Bike
Find a sturdy piece of metal or hard surface to lock your bike to. Ensure that what you’re locking it to is not something that can be lifted—maybe a column or a railing. Another thing to watch for is how firm the object is. While it may seems as if it cannot be moved, ensure that the railing or column you’re about to use is firm enough and cannot break easily.
Wheel theft is also very prevalent. If you can’t lock your wheels, take the bike with you. However, when locking the wheels, don’t use U-lock around the bike’s top tube. A thief could easily use the frame of a lever to get it open.
A burly chain that’s about 12mm in diameter will do a better job and make it very difficult for a thief to get his way. Take off the front wheel and lock both wheels to the frame.
Other Ways to Secure your Bike
Take a Picture: With a marker, write the serial number of your bike on a piece of cardboard or paper, hold it up high, and have someone take your photograph while standing next to your bike. In addition, take pictures of important details and store them in your phone. If someone steals your bike, you’ll have a quick proof of ownership.
Place a Mark on it: When someone plans to steal a bike, they usually want to have it sold as fast as possible. A thief will not steal your bike if it’s easily recognizable. Write your initials at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock on each tire with a sharp edge, or mark your name on the tube at the top, and conceal it with clear plastic or tape, so it doesn’t fade easily.
While a thief can remove this, it will take some effort to do it, but probably will not be worth the trouble.
What’s the best location to lock your bike?
Finding a suitable place to lock you bike is not always easy. Take your time to get to know your neighbors. Talk to your local bike shop and see what advice the staff can give; no doubt, they are well versed with the occurring theft in the community and can suggest some ideas about where to lock your bike.
Keep your bike away from crowded places, such as train stations or bus stops—thieves usually loiter around these areas. Park a few blocks away. The best places would be those with lots of lights, such as near buildings with surveillance cameras, or those with foot traffic.
The only way to protect your bike from thieves is to always have it at your side, or lock it properly. If you are going to leave it on the streets, make sure that you lock it to a sturdy surface, with a sturdy lock, or in a place that is full of lights, where it’s hard to steal a bike without getting spotted.
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