There are only three ways to steal a bike

1. Ride away with the unlocked bike
2. Break the lock
3. Break what the bike is locked to

Always lock up your bike!

No matter where it is — in your backyard, on your front porch, or outside a store – it's smart to spend the extra time to lock up your bike properly. It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal it.

Buy the best lock you can afford

U-locks are the strongest, but they can still be broken. To make your bike more difficult to steal, reinforce your U-lock by adding a cast-iron plumber's "T" connector. It's inexpensive and you can find one in most hardware stores. Because thieves can cut cables and non-hardened chain easily with bolt cutters, these work better as secondary locks. Using two locks, a U-lock and a cable or chain, forces a bike thief to carry two bulky tools, and spend more time breaking your locks.

Lock your bike to something solid, like:

• blue bike racks found around the Region
• other well-built bikeracks (not old-style "wheel-benders")
• solid steel railings. Don't block pedestrians
• well-anchored, tall poles
• But . . .

not to:

• things made of wood, like porch railings, trees, or park benches
• wire fences that can be easily cut
• any pole a bike could be lifted over
• poles that are loose or removable. Check first
• racks that aren't bolted down
• wheelchair ramps. be courteous to people with disabilities -- even part of a bike can block a ramp

Lock your frame, not just your wheel

It's very important to lock your bike frame, not just a wheel, to a solid object. It only takes a thief a few minutes to loosen your axle nuts (only seconds for a quick release axle) and walk away with the rest of your bike. If you encounter an old style "wheel bender" rack, don't use it. Find somewhere else to lock your bike, then start campaigning to get rid of that damaging rack.

Guard your quick release items

Thieves don't always take the whole bike. Wheels, seats, and even handlebars are being stolen. To guard against parts theft, ensure that both wheels are securely locked along with the frame. If your lock won't fit around all three things, then take one wheel with you. Thieves can ride off on a stolen bike, but not if there's only one wheel. You can change a quick release axle to an axle with nuts, and replace quick release seat bolts with regular bolts. Fill your Allen-key holes on your handlebars and other places with caulking. It can be removed when necessary with a knife or a small screwdriver.

Disguise, personalize, or ride an "around town" bike

Make your bike less attractive by disguising its value. You can take off labels, change the paint job, or just leave your bike dirty. If you personalize your bike with paint, stickers, or other adornments, you'll make it easy to recognize while at the same time decreasing its resale value for a thief. Most bikes are stolen for their resale value, so consider getting a "beater bike" for short city trips, and save your good bike for recreational riding.

Make a bicycle description form. NOW.

Take a moment now to record all the information you can about your bike. This will prove very helpful if you ever have to describe or identify your bike for police. It also provides vital information for an insurance claim. It's also a good idea to take a photo of your bike. Don't wait until it's too late.

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Do you have a success story or photo about you would like to share with us about how you, your apartment building, or your workplace is preventing bike theft ?  Please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We'd be delighted to share it here with fellow cyclists.

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