Naturally, cyclists are very protective over their bikes and it’s for good reason too, since there are around 376,000 bicycles stolen every year in the UK. Moreover, it’s not always so easy to just replace a stolen bike, due to financial constraints, which inevitably leads to the inconvenience of having to go without a bike for a while. As such, in order to prevent bicycle theft, all cyclists should ensure that they have taken the necessary steps to secure their bike wherever they leave it. In order to do this, here are a number of items and measures you can take to help keep your bike safe and secure.
Buying a brand new bike is likely going to set you back a fair few pounds, so it is imperative that you secure it as best as possible to prevent it from being stolen by bike thieves. As such, a bicycle lock is the best form of security for your bike as they will either deter potential bike thieves or literally prevent them from stealing your bike. When looking for a bicycle lock, you should look to purchase the best one that you can afford and keep an eye out for its protection rating, as this will indicate how strong it is. Remember, though, your bike lock is only as effective as, how you’ve locked it up; where you’ve locked it up; and what you’ve locked it up to; so this in mind when securing your bike.
If you’re looking to buy a new bike lock, then you should be aware of the various different types available so you can decide which one is best for you.
D / U Lock’s have been touted as the most effective type of bicycle lock, as they are the most difficult for bike thieves to break or cut through. When using a D / U Lock to secure your bike, you should connect the frame and the wheel together using a lock cable for greater protection. Although D / U Lock’s are highly effective, they can be quite heavy depending on which one you buy, but if you’d like something more lightweight then there are a selection of mini D Lock’s that are easier to carry.
Chain locks offer a very secure method of securing your bike, as they are generally tougher than other types of bicycle locks and are able to withstand stronger attacks. However, they are considerably heavier to carry around and are only as strong as its padlock, so make sure that you have catered for this should you choose to use a chain lock.
Cable locks offer a good amount of security for your bike and are light and flexible too, so you can easily secure your frame and wheels, as well as other components. Though varying in lengths and thicknesses, cable locks are the least effective type of bicycle lock, which is why it’s recommended to use one alongside the use of a D / U Lock for greater security.
Anti-theft GPS bike trackers are a clever and innovative invention that will enable you to accurately locate your bike if it is stolen. In general, a GPS bike tracker should be fitted into the seatpost or frame to prevent the bike thief becoming alerted to its presence and removing it. In any case, in the unfortunate event that your bike is stolen, you will be able to log in to the brand’s web platform to find out the exact location of your bike. Plus, this will help with any police investigation that may arise as a consequence of the crime committed.
Another good item to use to keep your bike safe and secure is a bike cover. As a lightweight and waterproof item, bike covers are easy enough to carry around and provides a means of concealing your bike wherever you go. Bike thieves will naturally be drawn to an attractive or expensive looking bike, so by using a bike cover potential thieves won’t know what make, brand or model bike is underneath. Not only that, but it will help to protect your bike against weathering conditions.
Registering your bike with online bike identification services will not only assist the police in identifying where the bike is (and potentially the perpetrator), but it will also help to serve as a deterrent as thieves will know that it can be easily identified. For your own peace of mind, though, you should always keep a record of the serial number of your bike for identification purposes, just in case it’s stolen before you get the chance to register your bike.
In short, bicycles are generally expensive products, so to protect your investment you should look to keep your bike as safe and secure as possible no matter where you go. As a given standard, you should use a bicycle lock at the very least, but also ensure that you have considered other things too such as your chosen location to lock your bike up.
