According to the Singapore Police Force, an average of 100 cases of bicycle thefts are reported every month; and it is likely that many more instances go unreported.
Many of such cases might have been prevented if the owners had better knowledge on bicycle security. Gerald Lee, author of JustKeepCycling, is back to share with us on how to secure your bicycle properly.
Firstly, do not lock your bike like this.
The most common way of locking bicycles is a single lock through the front wheel. Unfortunately, this is also the most unsecured method.
Even if you use the toughest lock, the thief just needs to unscrew the front wheel, or open the quick release skewer, to make off with the rest of your bicycle (if it’s any consolation, you still have your front wheel).
To lock your bicycle securely, bear these tips in mind:
1. The best lock is no lock required
If space allows, the best way to keep your bicycle secure is to store it inside the house or office so that it will be out of reach of pesky thieves.
2. When choosing a lock, pay attention to both its body and head
Photo source:Bicycles Stack Exchange andEvans Cycles
Choose locks that have a strong lock head and a tough body. As compared to cheap rubber cables, thick cables with tough housing or strong metal chains make it far more difficult for thieves to cut through.
3. Lock your bike only at designated bicycle parking areas
In Singapore, bicycle racks and parking facilities provided by the town councils, office buildings, MRT stations for instance, are securely bolted down, and will not compromise your bicycle.
4. Secure all detachable parts
Also, be sure to secure other detachable parts of your bicycle too. Borrowing from the principle of conservatism, any parts left unsecured should and can be expected to be stolen. As such, it pays to use a combination of different locks to secure (at the minimum) both wheels to the frame, and the frame to the parking fixture. Other parts like the saddle, front and rear racks, and bags should ideally also be secured to the frame.
