Crime Prevention Tips

Preventing Bicycle Theft

Most bicycles are easily stolen because they have little or no protection. The best way to protect your bicycle is with a strong, reliable U-lock, or an adjustable bike lock. The more time and trouble it takes a thief to steal your bike, the less likely the chances are of your bicycle being stolen.

• Lock your bike, even at home, to a fixed immovable object. Do not lock your bike to items that can easily be cut, broken, or otherwise removed.
• Lock your bike in visible, well-lit areas.
• Select a location where there are other bikes. If there is a bike nearby with a less secure lock, or no lock at all, the thief will target that bicycle first.
• Position your bike frame and wheels so that there is little to no space available for a thief to insert a pry bar.
• If the U-lock has a keyway, position the keyway downward, making it harder for the thief to access your lock.
• Secure your accessories and components.
• If you have a multi-speed bike, leave it in the highest gear, making it harder for the thief to shift quickly and escape with your bike.
• Register your bike with the local police station or the National Bike Registry.
• Never lock your bike to itself. You are allowing a thief to carry your whole bike away effortlessly.
• Never lock your bike to anything posted as illegal. Check with your local police department for local bicycle parking regulations.

When you ride:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Learn to use and obey traffic signals. They were created for your protection.
• Ride with the traffic, not against it.
• If you ride at night, use reflectors or lighting systems. Make sure that you are visible at all times!
• Watch for cars and opening doors in your path.
• Slow down at intersections and look out for oncoming and turning traffic.
• Do not weave in and out of slow moving or stopped traffic.

Sources:

JM Associates, Security and Crime Prevention Training/Consulting

The National Consumer Product Safety Commission

The American Academy of Pediatrics

The Insurance Bureau of Canada