Wuxi Feiyiya Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.feiyya.com
How to not get your bicycle stolen
Stolen bicycles are rarely recovered, and it only takes a split second of inattention for your bike to disappear. So, how can you protect your ride?
**Where Are Bikes Most Often Stolen?**
The number one place where bikes are stolen is at home — especially in the garage. Many garages open directly onto the street, making your bike visible to anyone passing by. If you can't ensure the garage door stays closed all the time, we recommend locking your bike to something solid inside. Talk to your family and emphasize the importance of keeping the door shut.
Public bike racks in cities, train stations, or on campuses are also common targets. This is because many people lock their bikes to these racks for long periods. You’ve probably seen videos online where someone "steals" their own bike using a grinding tool, just to see how others react. Surprisingly, few people pay attention — either out of fear or indifference.
If you're a daily commuter, always prioritize security when locking your bike to an outdoor rack. Use high-quality locks and secure methods. A thief is more likely to target a bike with a weak cable or cheap lock rather than one that’s properly secured.
**How to Choose the Right Bike Lock**
Imagine this: you come back to your bike, only to find it locked with a second unfamiliar lock. What do you do? If you leave your bike overnight, it might be gone by morning. Calling the police won’t help if you can’t prove it’s yours. A locksmith will face the same issue.
To stay ahead of thieves, register your bike with the local police department. Keep a copy of the registration card in a sealed bag inside the seatpost or handlebar. Alternatively, engrave the registration number on the frame. Show the police or a locksmith your proof of ownership when needed.
Another scenario: after a long day at work, you return to find both tires flat. Don’t leave your bike behind with the hope of fixing it later. Instead, unlock it and push it home or take it to public transport. If you leave it unattended, it’s likely to be stolen. Once the crowds clear, so do the bikes left behind.
If you’re taking your bike on a bus, always lock it to the rack. If the transit authority doesn’t allow this, at least lock the rear wheel to the frame. Bus thieves often wait at stops, looking for nice bikes. They board the bus for one stop, then grab the bike and ride away. By locking the rear wheel, you prevent them from riding off. Most thieves will give up once they realize this.
**Why You Need a Good Bike Lock**
Bicycle theft is a growing problem. According to FBI data, a bike is stolen every two minutes in the U.S. High-value bikes are especially targeted. The best way to protect your investment is to make your bike as hard to steal as possible. Spend at least 10% of your bike's value on a strong U-lock and heavy chain. Even if your bike isn’t expensive, a quality lock could mean the difference between riding home and walking.
Protect your ride — invest in the right security today.