Tips for preventing bike theft

By News Staff

Not since the seizure of thousands of stolen bikes in 2008 has bike theft been in the spotlight in the same way. Still, as many cyclists in Toronto can agree, it remains a persistent and vexing problem.

About the same number of bikes and cars are stolen in Toronto each year. In 2012, the last year for which stats are available, there were 3,509 bike thefts compared to 3,456 cars.

There are ways, however, to protect your property and make it harder for would-be thieves to steal.

“The reality is often people won’t actually intervene,” Urbane Cyclist’s Owen Ardal told CityNews. “So, you really have to rely on your lock itself and the way you lock your bike to fight theft. You can’t hope that someone’s going to stop someone from cutting your lock.”

Here are tips for preventing bike theft from Ardal and Toronto police:

1. Use a U-lock or solid steel lock. They are rigid and make it harder for a thief to manoeuvre.

2. Lock the seat tube to a vertical post. The lock will prevent the bike from falling and can’t be twisted when locked this way.

Owen Ardal locks the seat tube of a bike to a rack of Urbane Cyclist in Toronto in June 7, 2016. CITYNEWS

3. Use a cable lock only in combination with a U-lock. Cable locks are easily clipped, but are good for securing quick-release wheels to your bike.

4. Record the serial number on your bike. This will improve your chances of having your stolen bike returned to you. If your bike doesn’t have a serial number, engrave a number on the frame, wheels and other compartments.

5. Register your bike. Use the Toronto police online bike registry system or drop off or mail this form to police.

6. Add a unique feature to your bike. Ardal says black, single-speed bikes are a target because they’re generic, and there are a lot out there.

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