How to protect your bike from being stolen
Toronto is rapidly becoming a city of cyclists, with more Torontonians choosing to use their bike as their main mode of transportation than ever before. In fact, the most recent figures reveal that between 2001 and 2006 the number of cyclists in the city rose by 32.6%. And this has only increased since then.
But, of course, more bikes on the road also means more bikes are being stolen. Data released by the Toronto police departmentrevealed that the number of reported bike thefts from apartment and condo buildings in the city rose 82% between 2014 and 2016. And of the 3,728 bikes reported stolen in the city, only 49% were recovered. So it might help to know how exactly you can protect your beloved bike.
1. Know your serial number
Knowing your serial number might be the number one thing that can help you protect your bike, and yet so few people are aware of theirs. For the most part people know that any defining characteristics, like a unique colour or a memorable sticker, will make your bike more traceable if it does go missing. Yet few people think about, or even know where to find their bike serial number.
Your serial number is typically engraved beneath the bottom bracket, and if registered with the police can help to recover your bike on a local scale. Furthermore, the internet offers a bike index which means if your bike is stolen, and someone comes across the serial number at a later date, it can be traced back to you.
2. Pick a good spot to park
When locking up your bike it's a good idea to take in your surroundings and risk assess the area. It’s just common sense, but make sure that you lock your bicycle to an immovable object. Although it is a rare occasion, some thieves do go to all kinds of lengths to steal a bike- often deploying dummy poles or sawing through trees.
Aim for a well-lit area, particularly one where there are a lot of passers-by who would notice if someone was trying to steal your bike. Areas that have CCTV can also act as a deterrent. Try not to park your bike on a sidewalk or street overnight. Instead look for an indoor parking area, such as a garage. Although often it can’t be avoided, one handy tip is to try not to park in the same spot every day. If your bike catches a thief’s eye, they can track your daily activity and may be more likely to target you.
3. Lock up
Everyone knows you should employ a bike lock when leaving your bike unattended for any amount of time, but there are different levels of lock which can really aid in protecting your bike. For most riders U-locks are adequate, but always make sure that you secure the frame of the bike, otherwise you might return from your work day to find you have been left with only a wheel to get home with.
If you’re really serious about protecting your bike, a bulky chain lock offers the best protection and can be wrapped through your wheels, as well as your chain, to ensure everything remains intact. Plus, a thief is less likely to target a chained bike, as it required more time and effort to break through.
If you have easily removable components, such as quick release wheels or lights, taking them with you on your journey is always an option.
4. Make sure your bike is insured
Buying insurance for your bike not be the first thing you think of when you buy a new bike, but it can save you a lot of hassle if anything unexpected does happen. While you may initially think bike insurance will leave you with a hefty bill,there are plenty of fairly inexpensive options on the market and the savings in the long run can be well worth it.
In some cases, your bicycle may be supported with some coverage from your home insurance policy, although be aware this may not be enough to cover the entire amount. There are usually limits on how much your home insurance policy will cover for personal items lost away from the home. Make sure you double check to determine the exact value your policy with help you with. Just keep in mind that you will still be responsible for paying the deductible.