Locking your bike

1.        Always lock your bike especially at home (even if it’s in the garage or shed).

2.        Lock it to a fixed or immovable object like a bike rack, lamp post or parking meter - preferably something concreted to the ground. Make sure your bike can’t be lifted over the top of a post and what you have locked it to can’t be easily cut, broken or removed.

3.        Lock your bike in a visible well-lit area.

4.        Lock it with other bikes, there is safety in numbers. The chances are better that there will be a bike with a less secure lock than yours. Thieves will usually go for the easiest target.

5.        Use a U-lock properly; position your frame and wheels so that you take up as much open space as possible within the U-portion. The more space you take up the harder it is for a thief to use tools to attack the lock.

6.        Always position the key hole facing the ground so it is harder to access the lock. Don’t position the lock near the ground otherwise you have given the thief an anvil to help break your lock.

7.        Make sure you take all computers, lights and clip on accessories away with you and use a cable to secure any seat-posts and quick release components.

8.        Don’t lock your bike to itself (e.g. the front wheel locked to the frame) It can easily be picked up and carried away.

9.        Don’t lock your bike in the same location all the time otherwise a thief might notice the pattern and target your bike.

10.      Don’t lock to anything signed as illegal otherwise the local authorities will be taking your bike away. Check local regulations.

11.      Check you’ve removed your accessories and your lock is secure before you walk away.

12.      For best theft deterrence use two types of lock such as a U-lock and a cable lock. The longer it takes a thief to get through your security the more likely he will look elsewhere.

The correct way to use a D-lock above. Note the inside of the D-lock has as much ‘bike’ in it as possible to make it difficult to use bottle jacks and pry bars. The lock is not against the ground to reduce hammer attack and the key hole is pointing towards the frame (or down) to make it harder to pick. For better security use a secondary lock of a different type. Make sure all other quick release parts such as seat posts are locked/attached to the lock with a cable.

In lower crime areas or if you don’t want to take off the front wheel, you can use a cable to secure the front wheel to the D-lock.

If you are locking your bike to a kerb-side railing or post make sure your it can’t fall or slip in to the road. A squashed bike will certainly deter thieves but won’t do you much good either. I saw 3 bikes with front wheels and forks crushed like this in one day in London. Finally remember to remove computers lights helmets etc. and check the lock before you leave.