subject: Top Tips For Keeping Your Bike Safe And Secure [print this page] If you use your bike as your main mode of transport, chances are youll have to leave it outside from time to time when going about your daily business. Unfortunately bikes are a popular target for thieves, so there are certain steps youll have to take to prevent your bicycle from being stolen.
Firstly, one of the most important pieces of kit to invest in is a decent bike lock. Most experienced cyclists agree that with bike locks, you generally get what you pay for. If you penny-pinch and buy a low-quality lock, dont expect your bike to last long out on the streets where there are a lot of opportunist thieves around. Invest in a good, sturdy lock and youll greatly lower the chances of your bike being taken.
Look for at the locks Sold Secure rating to give you an idea of how secure it is.
Even better, buy two locks. Bike safety experts recommend this, as it means you can secure both the front and the back of your bike. Its a good idea to buy a D lock and a chain lock, and thread these through your frame and wheels, locking them around a fixed object like a lamppost. Dont forget to lock up any bike accessories youre leaving behind too.
As bikes become a more popular mode of transport, its becoming more common to see expensive road bikes and mountain bikes left outside train stations, shops and offices. As a consequence this means there are rich pickings for thieves, so make sure you follow these tips to help keep your bike safe:
Lock your bike in an area that has lots of people walking past and is well-lit
Do not lock it to objects that can be easily cut, or that your bike can be simply lifted over
Always lock your bike when you leave it unattended, even if its only for two minutes
When leaving your bike at home overnight, put it indoors if possible, or lock it up securely in the back garden
Even when following this advice, its important to remember that no lock is totally thief-proof all you can do is try to deter thieves as much as possible, and make their job as difficult as you can. If youre buying a top-quality bicycle (such as a lightweight premium road bike) that you think may be a target, it may be a good idea to take out some bike insurance to provide some added peace of mind.
