How to keep your bike locked and safe.
U-Locks vs. Cables: What is the correct choice?
Guest Post from Officer Denise Gomez – Denver Police Department
Although frequently used, the lightweight cable/chain locks no longer provide adequate security in most areas. In neighborhoods with a known bicycle theft problem the best choice is a strong, reliable U-lock. Remember, two locks are better than one!
Combine a cable and a U-lock, or even two U-locks, when securing your bicycle. The more time and trouble it takes a thief to attack your bike the less likely it is that your bike will become a statistic.
Design Features:
- Make sure that the design of the lock provides functional security.
- Solid Steel is the Strongest — the ideal steel is hardened against cutting yet maintains flexibility.
- Sizes: Don’t buy a larger lock than needed. Thieves will utilize the extra space between your lock and your bike to their advantage. A tight fitting lock will make it more difficult for thieves to get their tools into position to attempt a break.
Always lock your bike, especially at home. More bikes are stolen from home than anywhere else. Wherever you store your bike; a garage, a college dorm room, an apartment building, always use your lock.
Pick a good Location: Always lock your bike in visible, well-lit areas.
Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object. If you lock your bike to a pole, make sure the locked bike cannot be slipped off over the top of the pole. Beware of locking to items that can be easily cut, broken or otherwise removed.
Try not to let your lock rest against the ground where a thief can use a hammer or rock to smash the lock.
Use the lock correctly: Position your bike frame and wheels to take up as much of the open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. The tighter the lock up, the harder it will be for a thief to insert a pry bar and pry open your lock.
If your U-lock has its keyway on the end of the crossbar, position the lock with its keyway end facing down towards the ground. This makes it harder for the thief to access your lock.
Secure your components and accessories, especially those that can be easily removed, like quick release wheels or seats.
If you have a multi-speed bike, leave it in the highest gear. This makes it harder for a thief to shift quickly and get away with your bike.
Register your bike at any police station or COP Shop
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