Bike Locks and Bicycle Security

A fair amount of consideration goes into buying a bike, whether it is for an adult or child. Weight, height, comfort, safety etc, but don't forget security; including insurance. Compare the costs and benefits of adding your bike to your existing policy before buying from the seller. So get your home insurance quote before you buy as you may feel under pressure because of a 'special' insurance deal 'only at the time of purchase'.

Research local cyclist clubs and organisations too because they often have recommended policies with member discounts.

Whatever you choose, always ensure your bike is ensured before you take possession just in case you forget later.

Your next step is to get to know your bike, record details and then register it. If you are unsure of what bicycle registration schemes that are available, contact your local police for advice.

Photographs are an excellent method of recording bikes, take close up shots of logos and other markings especially unique features that could help identify your bicycle if stolen.

Security marking the bicycle is essential. Some police stations provide free security marking services but marking and tagging products are available from bike shops as well as hardware store and locksmiths.
Owners often try to be discreet when security marking a bike ... do the opposite! Good security marking is a visible deterrent, so advertise the fact is marked or tagged. If warning stickers and labels are provided, are they highly visible and tamper resident?

Choose at least two separate parts of the bike to mark, one of those should NOT be clearly visible, so seek a hard to see area; the frame being the most important.

Ensure you record exactly where these makings are so that the police can quickly identify your bike.

Bike Security Storage

The Home Office reports that more than half of all bicycle thefts take place from the owner's property. This can be dramatically reduced if bicycle owners secured their bike at home. Keep your bike in a secure shed or garage and most important keep the door locked.

Thieves are opportunists, if they see your bike; they may try to steal it so logic says "keep it out of public view".
Is there a place in or around your home where you can install a floor or wall mounted anchor to lock your bike? It needs to be an immovable object for extra security.

Some people think that if they hide their bike in discreet, isolated and dimly lit places, the would-be thief won't see it. The truth is; that's exactly where they would look because it provides shelter whilst they attempt to steal a bike. Always leave your bike where a potential thief will be seen by the public and perhaps CCTV cameras.

If you see cycle parking stands, use them, if not ensure you park your bike safely and considerately. Think about disabled people, sight impaired and those with buggies and pushchairs. Be aware that you could be held liable for damage to property or injury to others.

To avoid your bike being added to someone's shopping list, avoid securing it in the same place every day. Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.

If you see a sign asking cyclists not to park bikes there - respect the request. You may end up with a bill for damages!

Before you lock your bike to anything, double-check to see if the anchor is immovable. Imagine you have lost your bike lock keys ...how would you release your bike? If you have chained it to a drainpipe, could you undo the bolts and remove the section to slip the chain or lock off? - That's exactly what a thief would do!!

When locking your bike, lock it through the frame. Remove or secure all removable parts. These include lights, trip meter/computer, pump, quick release saddle; panniers etc. Make the lock (and chain, if used) and the bike itself very difficult to manoeuvre when parked - this will help stop thieves smashing the lock open.

Maintain the smallest possible gap between the frame and lock; this lessens the chance of any metal cutters being used.

Don't let the chain or lock rest on the ground as this could provide a firm support when hit by a sledge hammer to break it.

Try and have the lock or key hole facing away or to the ground as this may make it difficult when being picked.

Which Bike Lock?

Be mindful that price should not reflect quality. There are many bike locks on the market; the most important factor is attack resistance over a prolonged period. Obviously you cannot take a toolbox into the lock shop so check the label and packaging to see if the bike lock is endorsed by 'Secured By Design', or tested by 'SoldSecure'.

When we talk about 'attack resistance over a prolonged period', a good gauge is this;

If you were guarding your bike against an opportunist thief you would need a product that has resisted attack for one minute.
If you were guarding your bike against a determined thief you would need a product that has resisted attack for three minutes.
If you were guarding your bike against a dedicated thief you would need a product that has resisted attack for five minutes.

Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard and spending proportionately more on a lock for a more expensive bike would be advisable.