Submitted by yvonne on 4 August, 2010 - 13:55

I'm hearing stories every day about friends or colleagues having a bike, or parts, stolen, so I thought I'd post a heads up note as a little reminder to be extra vigilant about how and where you lock your bike.

We all know it generally costs you more to replace a bike than to invest in a good quality lock - it may be worth taking a second look at yours...  I love my thick, cloth covered, Abus chain - super strong, and gives me the flexibility to lock to more than just a post & ring.

Quick tips to help prevent theft:

• As Eric of Curbside says, "Never buy a cable lock. It's like locking your house with a screen door." 
• Consider using two different kinds of locks, one chain, one U-lock.  This will make your bike harder to steal quickly since different tools are required...
• Unless you absolutely need them, do not use quick release on your wheels or seat.
• Nice seats are easy targets so lock 'em down with an extra seat lock, or use a quick release and take it with you every time you lock your bike.
• If using a u-lock, the bigger a gap you leave when locking, the more likely your U-lock can be busted open with a bit of torque. Keep it tight ;)
• Avoid leaving your bike outside overnight.
• Personalise your bike:  Most of you know that I love my flower covered basket ;)  Aside from being pretty, it's also a theft deterrent.  Men steal bikes... girly flowers can help.  Boys can certainly do something similar - use your imagination!
• Take a photo of your bike and mark down key identifying information such as the registration number (usually on the underside of the bottom bracket - flip her over and take a look).  If your bike is stolen, you have the details handy and can prove it's yours should it be recovered.
• Use these details to register your bike with the Toronto Police Services Bicycle Registry.  If they recover stolen property they can only return it to you if your bike is in the system.  

For more theft prevention tips, and to register your bike with TPS, visit http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/bike/

Finally, without putting yourself in harms way, if you notice someone messing with a bike - say something.  We can all help each other by participating in a bit of 'Neighbourhood Watch' style community engagement.  

Ride on.  And please share this note with any cyclists you know.

Yvonne

Check out the Toronto Cyclists Union on Facebook