How to keep your bike safe
Published 29 January 2013
It's an unfortunate fact that bikes do get stolen sometimes. But there's plenty you can do to make sure yours doesn't become another statistic. Check out our top bike security tips for keeping your bike safe...
Bring your bike indoors whenever possible
If you can bring your bike indoors, do it. At home, store it in a shed, garage, or inside the house if you can. Many workplaces have dedicated bike shelters or storage rooms. If not, there are often unused spaces where you can park your bike safely, if you ask nicely.
Choose a safe place to lock up
If you can't bring your bike in with you, make sure that you lock it up somewhere with lots of passing foot traffic, where it's well-lit and where it'll be constantly overlooked.
Lock it to something solid
If you can't find a dedicated bike stand, make sure that the thing you lock it to can't be easily moved or broken. When locking your bike up to bollards and signposts, make sure that the bike can't simply be lifted over the top.
Don't risk it
It might be tempting to just pop to the corner shop for a pint of milk and prop your bike, unlocked, outside the shop. But it only takes seconds to steal a bike and bike theft is often an opportunistic crime – don't give anyone the opportunity!
Fold it up
Compact folding bikes like Bromptons do away with the need to worry about bike theft. In most cases, you can just fold up your bike and carry it with you. A Brompton takes up a tiny space and can fit underneath a desk or in a cupboard.
Buy the best bike lock you can afford
Don't skimp on a bike lock. Generally speaking, the more expensive the lock, the more difficult it is to crack. Look for 'Sold Secure Gold' rating.
Use two different types of bike lock
It's a great idea to use two different types of lock – for instance a heavy duty rigid 'D lock' to secure your bike to a stand, and then a chain lock to secure the wheel to the frame. Not only will the sight of two locks act as a deterrent, but any potential thief will need two different sets of tools to break your bike out.
Remove or secure easily stolen parts and accessories
Don't leave desirable bags on your bike and make sure you lock or remove any quick release parts. If you've got quick release wheels, either run a long cable extension through your main lock and both wheels, or remove your front wheel, place it next to the rear wheel and pass your lock around the bike stand and through both wheels and the main frame of your bike.
Smart Water your bike
Smart Water' is invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under ultra-violet light. Each application has a unique code, which is linked to a person or address giving it the nickname of 'liquid DNA'. Your local police force may be able to help you Smart Water the frame of your bike.
Get insurance
If the worst happens and your bike is stolen, make sure that your insurance is up to scratch. British Cycling members get an exclusive deal on the market-leading bike insurance product. Find out more.
Make your bike personal and recognisable
Change the colour of your handlebar tape
Change the stem (different colour, specific size)
Add stickers
Take note of any changes you have made to the bike since you bought it (changed the saddle, pedals, wheels etc)
Buy a Bicycle ID kit – tough, tamper-resistant, weatherproof, scannable tags. Getting one tag off is hard work, getting three off is even tougher!
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