STOP THAT BIKE THIEF!
BY BRENDAN CARLEY, CFSC ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SHOPPING FOR A NEW LOCK? THINGS TO REMEMBER:
et's
face it, bikes do get stolen, and it can happen to anyone. But, with the right
equipment and locking techniques, you can discourage even the most seasoned of
bike thieves! When deciding what lock to buy, you must consider a number of
things:
- where will you be locking the bike: on a busy street or in a secluded area?
- how long do you usually leave it: just a minute to run into a store, or
overnight?
- how valuable is your bike to you, and to others?
- what is your budget?
- which is more important in a lock; strength or convenience?
There
are a number of locks on the market today, with varying strength and security.
Cable locks are compact, convenient and inexpensive ($10-$35), but one forceful
snip with bolt cutters will liberate your bike from its shackles.
U-locks,
often made from hardened steel, are much stronger, but again you do get what
you pay for. A $35 U-lock cannot compete with the strength of one for $80. Keep
in mind though, proper locking techniques can go a long way in making an
inexpensive lock more effective.
TIPS FOR BIKE LOCKING
- If your bike has quick-releasewheels and you use a U-lock, you must do one
of two things:
- take off the front wheel and thread the U-lock through it, your rear
wheel and the bike frame while securing it to a post or bike stand. U-locks
come in different lengths, so make sure that you get one that's long enough
for the job!
- Alternatively, buy a cable with looped ends and thread it through you
wheels and then around your U-lock. Kryptonite makes very handy ones in
4 and 7 foot sizes.
- When using a cable lock, loop the cable through the frame, wheels, and seat
rails if possible.
- If you have a quick-release for your seat, take the seat with you or get
a small cable to pass through the seat rails and secure to your main lock.
- Leave your bike in a well-lit high traffic area and store it inside overnight
if possible.
- Lock it up alone in the open, away from other bikes, where a thief will
be noticed.
Keeping
these things in mind next time you lock up your bike will definitely increase
the probability that your baby will be there when you return!