Bike Theft

I have lost only one bike because of theft. When I was a kid, my yellow bike with coaster brakes was stolen. I recovered the bike a day or two later, though, after my brother spotted a boy riding it in a nearby schoolyard. As an adult I have not had even one bike taken from me. Given how common bike theft is, I feel I have been lucky.



Here are ways you can lessen the likelihood of your bike being stolen:



Lock your bike in an area that has lots of pedestrian traffic. Thieves prefer to work away from public view; a bike left alone in an isolated area is far more likely to be taken than a bike left in a busy area. Keep in mind, though, that locking your bike in a busy area is no guarantee against theft. Many cyclists can tell of times they have had bikes stolen from racks on busy streets. The thieves in these instances must have been cutting through locks while pedestrians walked right past! These pedestrians were either oblivious to what was going on or were consciously ignoring the thief.



Use two locks on your bike. Having two locks makes it a hassle for thieves to take your bike, especially when they see other bikes nearby that have only a single lock. I don't use two locks every time I lock my bike - I'll use one lock if I am only going to be dashing into a store for a few moments - but if I am going to be away from my bike for more than a few minutes, I'll use two locks.



Lock your frame and both wheels! I can't count how many times I have seen a front wheel locked to a bike rack, the remainder of the bike gone. Remember, stolen bikes are often "chopped up" by thieves. A thief will happily and quickly remove the rest of the bike if only the front wheel is locked; the stolen bike (minus the front wheel) will then be disassembled, the constituent parts used to create new bikes.



Spend the money to get a good-quality lock. While any lock will stymie a thief looking for a quick getaway on an unlocked bike, only a better-quality lock will provide any deterrence against an experienced thief. I use a U-type lock and a chain lock. I slide the U-lock through my bike so that it secures the frame and rear tire; I use the chain lock for the front tire and (again) the frame. While even the best locks can be defeated, the more difficult you make it for thieves, the better off you will be.



Consider leaving an expensive bike at home if you're going to have to leave it out of sight for even a short period of time. The more expensive or new looking your bike is, the more likely it will be stolen. Some cyclists paint the frames of their bikes in an effort to hide the make of the bike, but I'm not sure how well this idea works. Whenever I see a bike with a repainted frame, I immediately suspect that the bike is expensive. And likely, most thieves have the same thought. In any case, they will usually be able to identify what make a bike is even if its logos are painted over. My bike is well-used and definitely looks that way. It has chipped paint and patches of rust; the seat is covered in duct tape. I feel like my bike is much less likely to be stolen than the expensive-looking bike locked next to it.



Take panniers, lights, and any other easily removed accessories with you once you have locked your bike. I would also consider taking your seat if it is attached with a quick release mechanism. And certainly take your helmet with you.



Good luck. Taking steps to protect your bike makes cycling a little less convenient. Unfortunately, theft of bikes is rampant. We have to take these precautions.