Preventing Bike Theft: Lock It Like a Pro

Bicycles are quick, quiet targets for thieves, and a cheap cable lock barely slows them down. The right gear and habits make your bike a far less appealing target.

Choose a Better Lock

• Use a hardened U-lock instead of a cable, which cutters slice in seconds.
• Add a secondary lock for the front wheel and frame.
• Lock the frame and a wheel to a fixed, solid rack, not a flimsy fence.

Park Smart

Choose busy, well-lit, camera-covered areas. Avoid leaving a bike outside overnight, and bring it indoors when possible. Remove easily stolen accessories like lights and quick-release wheels.

Register and Record

Photograph your bike, record the serial number, and register it with a national bike registry. If it's stolen, this dramatically improves your odds of recovery and helps police return it.

If your bike is taken, file a report promptly. Learn how to file a police report online and review vehicle theft prevention for similar tactics.