By: Community Officer Jeff Kirchman
Despite having worked at UW–Madison for years, I’m still always a little surprised at the massive influx of humanity at the start of each school year. With all those people come literally thousands of bicycles. That provides great opportunity for bike thieves.
Don’t make it easy for them. Here are some ideas to help prevent bike theft:
Lock It Up
Secure the bicycle frame and wheels to a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or a metal post. Or store it in a dedicated, secure bicycle locker.
Get a Good Lock
I recommend a quality ‘U-style’ or sturdy chain lock. Cable locks are easily cut in seconds by someone with the right tools.
Invest in the Lock, Not the Bike
Spend your money on the lock, not the bike. There’s a thriving illegal market in stolen high-end bicycles and parts, so don’t tempt thieves with your $4,000 e-bike. A $75 garage-sale bike secured with a $100 lock is a good recipe for retention.
Record & Register Your Ride
Record your bike’s important information, like serial number, make, and model. Take photos of your bike too, and save any sales receipts. You can use sources like Bike Index or Project 529 to register your ride in a national database. Recording information and registration not only deters thieves but also assists in recovering and returning stolen bikes.
Follow these steps and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of keeping what’s yours…yours.