Lock Around the Clock
by Cheryl Wagner
Say the words, "bike theft", to a tri-athlete and watch the tears well up in his eyes as he imagines his $3,000 "baby" gone without a
trace! The INTERNET abounds with things you can do to prevent bike theft. I'll highlight some of the best pointers I found to help
keep you from becoming a victim.
Think Like a Thief
Thieves, like anyone, like to work in peace and quiet, with no one watching and with lots of room to use bolt cutters and other
tools. They're probably nervous unlike the average individual heading to class or work. They may work in pairs so they can lift a
bike over the top of a tall pole, or so that one can keep watch. To outsmart, annoy, and slow down the ever-present bike thief:
- Be observant around bike racks. Watch for someone checking out the bikes (normally for about 20 minutes before making a move) and carrying pliers, bolt
cutters, tools and riding two to a bike. If possible, leave your bike where there's a lot of pedestrian traffic and light, and jam it into a corner so that there's very
little room to work on stealing it.
- Buy the least valuable bike that will meet your needs. Save your "beauty" for recreational touring and consider using a "beater" for school and local commuting.
(The average cost of most stolen bikes is over $200 although bike thieves have been known to steal anything - even a $5 part.)
Personalize your bike: paint it, tape it or make it look beat-up. New, shiny bikes are a 'thief lure'.
- Don't leave your bike unlocked. But if you do see a thief making off with your bike, don't give chase. You could end up being mugged, too! Note the suspect's
clothing, description and direction of travel.
- If your bike is stolen, immediately make up several hundred flyers with details of the bike, a picture and an offer of a 'no questions asked' reward. Distribute them
to local bike shops and stores, and to the police. This will make it harder for the thief to get rid of it.
- Photograph your bike and record its manufacturer, model, frame, color, size (frame and wheel), gears, and accessories. Consider registering it with a national
bike registry so that you have proof of ownership and the police can locate you in case they recover your bike. (www.nationalbikeregistry.com or 1-800-848-BIKE)
The Weakest Link
Just like the TV show, say 'bye bye' to the weakest link! It doesn't make sense to have a $2000 bike and $100 lock secured to a
chain link fence. (Thieves can snip the fence with wire cutters and remove the lock back in the shop.) Your lock construction, how
you lock it and what you lock it to, are all critical. Remember to:
- Only lock your bike to approved bike racks, not trees, or sign-posts.
- Use a hardened steel, U-type lock (preferably 7/16 in thickness and key operated) and a cable lock. Most thieves don't carry bolt cutters for both. Ensure the cable
has cable loops crimped to the bare cable. (Chains should be 3/16" alloy steel withwelded links.)
- Secure both the frame and the wheels. (The back wheel is usually more expensive than the front.)
- Lock your bike with the wheels off the ground, if possible. This will make the bike bounce rather than support chisel blows.
- If you have to leave your bike for a long time, take all removable parts with you (i.e. seat post, tire pump, and lights).
- If you ride to Metro, look into renting an enclosed bike locker for only $70/year. (www.wmata.com/metrorail/bikes.cfm )
A 'stripped' bike, at the
University of Maryland.
