Getting a brand new bike is quite exciting. Cycling is a fun option for daily commuting and exercise, which explains why it is becoming more and more popular across the globe. Unfortunately, as bike ridership statistics rise, bike theft cases are also on an upward trajectory.
Therefore, bike security is a serious concern for anyone who owns a bicycle. Shielding your bike against theft is the only way to avoid the emotional punch that comes with losing your cherished ride.
Three Measures to Prevent Bike Theft
Almost all bicycle thefts are avoidable if the owners take the necessary preventive measures to keep their machines secure. Here are ingenious tips to help you secure your wheels.
1- Always Park in a Safe Location
Park your bicycle in a well-lit, busy location when in public spaces. If possible, the site should have cameras installed. CCTV helps to deter thieves, and in case your bike is pinched, the camera footage can help the police in recovery.
When you are at home, it’s also advisable to secure your wheels indoors instead of on your porch. When it comes to storage options, a dedicated, high-quality bike rack for a bicycle is critical.
2- Register Your Bike
If you buy a new bike, record the frame number and keep the purchase receipt. If you go for a second-hand purchase, ensure you check the frame number. You can verify if it’s stolen by running an approved online biker checker service.
Registration on a police-approved register makes your bike hard to steal and easy to recover if it’s pinched. The authorities can easily match you as the legal owner. It would also help to display the registration sticker to deter bike thieves.
3- Use a Solid Lock
Locking your bike makes it hard to steal. First, however, you need to choose a robust lock. Some locks are as good as no lock at all. For instance, cheap cable locks are helpful only if they’re used as secondary protection. Thieves can easily cut through them and get away with your bike.
Most bike owners prefer U-locks. These locks are more secure and harder to cut through. However, a prepared thief can easily pick bigger locks. Therefore, smaller, high-quality U-locks are preferable. They are hard to force open, hence can be used as primary protection.
Keep Your Ride Safe
Your bike is more likely to be stolen if you make it easy for thieves. If you park your bike in a high-risk area, security comes first. Thieves are opportunists and will only go for the easiest targets. Therefore, ensuring your bike is harder to steal than the others nearby is one way to avoid heartache.
For ease of mind, secure your bicycle today. You don’t want to be constantly worrying about losing your precious ride.
