14 July
Sadly bike theft is on the rise nationwide. We have gathered some top safety tips to help you secure your bike properly.
What lock should I buy?
- Firstly, if you can, it’s always best to use two locks
- If possible, use a D-lock (or U-lock) as this is more secure
- When buying locks, look for ‘Sold Secure’ ones
- A shorter, narrower lock is harder to attack than a big one, though it is more awkward to attach in some situations
Where should I lock my bike in the street?
- Choose a busy area with CCTV if possible
- Lock your bike in the middle of lots of other bikes
- Always secure your bike to a fixed, immovable object, ideally a bike rack
- Don’t lock your bike right outside places you’ll clearly be for a long time (e.g cinema)
- If you know it’s a high theft-risk area, take an extra lock
- Be wary of locking your bike in the same location day after day if it’s publicly visible
How do I lock up my bike?
- Always lock the frame (not just the wheel!) to the secure object
- If you’re using a D-lock (or U-lock), it’s better to lock the bike around the bottom bracket or seat post rather than over the top tube, where the thief can get at it easily
- Make the lock as difficult to access as possible
- If you use a D-lock (or U-lock) fill as much of the internal space as possible – fill the shackle of the lock with as much bike and street furniture as will fit
Other tips:
- Consider etching your postcode onto your bike frame
- Take photographs of the bike, including any distinctive marks or features on it just in case
We’re making safety improvements to our Cycle Parks. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police.
