SECURITY

BEATING THE THIEVES You wouldn’t leave a suitcase full of money in the street. Why do the same for your bike?

SECURE YOUR BIKE

WHEN IT COMES to bike security, the most obvious advice is to use a bike lock. Even if you’re only popping into a shop for a moment, always use a lock as it only take a moment to steal a bike.

Go for a lock that’s been rated by Sold Secure, as this will guarantee a good level of theft resistance. Brands with a strong reputation include Abus, Kryptonite and Master Lock.

Look for a lock which is easy to handle. Ideally, you should be able to lock and unlock it with gloved hands. If you ride whatever the weather, check for weatherproofing around the key barrel. You also need to think about how you are going to carry the lock. Many locks have mounts for fitting the bike to a bicycle frame, which saves the hassle of finding room in a bag. Think twice about carrying the lock on your body unless it has been designed to be worn this way (for example, Hiploks are designed to sit flat against the body, and so reduce the chance of being injured by the lock in a fall).

GO FOR A QUALITY LOCK

There are plenty of cheap, thin and flexible locks on the market. On the face of it these look tempting, as they are easy to carry and straightforward to use. But these inexpensive and lightweight locks rarely offer good security – you’re much better off spending more on something really tough and robust.

It might seem like overkill, but using more than one lock is a smart move. That’s especially true if you have quick-release skewers on your wheels. These make it easier to remove a wheel to fix a puncture, but also make life easy for a bike thief. Make sure a lock passes through your frame and one of the wheels, securing to something solid like a bike stand. Then use the second lock to secure the other wheel to the bicycle frame.

LEAVING YOUR BIKE

Where you lock your bike can also make a difference. At school, college or work, if there are dedicated bike parking facilities then use them, especially if they are monitored by CCTV, or behind a security barrier.

If you need to leave your bike in a public place, the more public the better: don’t put it somewhere a

Not all bike locks are created equal. It pays to use the best lock you can afford, or even

thief can work unseen. At night, make sure it’s left in a well-lit area. And at any time of day, check for any signs to make sure you are parking legally.

Bike thefts don’t just occur on the street. It pays to think about security at home, too. A garden shed isn’t the most secure location, but a ground anchor sunk into a concrete floor gives more peace of mind.

It may not be a cheap option, but a dedicated cycle shed from a company like Asgard (www.asgardsss. co.uk) takes home security to another level.

GET IT MARKED

Having your bike marked with a unique number improves your chances of getting a bike back if it’s stolen, and may just put a thief off in the first place.

Schemes like Bike Register (www.bikeregister. com) will mark your bicycle frame with an indelible stencil etching, apply a deterrent warning sticker to the bike, and will register the bike and owner online.

Another option is to electronically tag your bike, using a device like the ImmobiTag (www.immobitag. com). Each tag is unique to the bike, and can be used to help return it to its rightful owner.

YOUR BIKE SECURITY CHECKLIST

Lock it! Never leave your bike unattended, and use the best lock (or locks) you can afford.

Mark it! You’ll have a better chance of getting your bike back if it has a security mark or if it has been electronically tagged.

Insure it! If it can’t be recovered, at least you’ll get your money back (see page 34 to find out more).

Leave it safe! Avoid leaving your bike in a public place if possible, but if you have to put it where there are plenty of passers-by.

Take care at home! Don’t assume your bike is safe around the back of your house or kept in a hallway. Secure it to something immovable, preferable in a locked shed or secure bike storage.

Don’t let a bike thief get their hands on your bike. Keep it safe and secure wherever you take it