One day last year in the middle of biking season we came home to find all our bikes gone. It took me a bit to start thinking clearly, but at the end of the day – they were gone regardless of the amount of cursing I could produce in a minute. One way or another we started going over the situation to see where, how, and what we could do differently in the future.
STORAGE
Our bikes were stored in a closed garage we shared with three other neighbors. One of them periodically forgets to close the door and sure enough one day … well, that’s why I’m writing this article. So, with that said, make sure you store your ride somewhere where you can be reasonably sure no uninvited guests will be given access to. In our case it was pretty much impossible so we decided to put a few obstacles in place for the next somebody feels entitled to our bikes
LOCK YOUR RIDE.
Well, it’s great to have a place where you (and hopefully only you) can store your bike safely, but what if you do not have that luxury? Then what? Different safety devises come to mind. There is quite a variety of those, but do not just rely on a door – it’s just pieces of metal (wood, plastic) of different form and construction and can be open, cut, broken, ripped apart. And the more expensive the bike is, the more advanced are the tools that will assure your two-wheeled friend’s disappearance. Seriously, it’s just a matter of picking a lock.
Photo Credit http://www.etsy.com/shop/bikestickers
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Write down your frame number. Although it can be scratched off, this is one extra way to get your bike found in a case if it does get stolen.
THAT OLD THING?
Not guaranteed, but your bike might not attract as much attention if it’s doesn’t look all bright and shiny. A couple pieces of duct tape might discourage a thief from going after your bike.
WHAT ELSE?
You can go even more advanced and mount a GPs tracker on your ride, but more often than not it will heavily rely on the price tag of the ride and its owner’s paranoia to go with this option. There are different options for GPs tracking, but the one thing in common between all of them is that they are all NOT cheap. Although it might seem that I make all precautionary measures seem pointless and nothing more, but a waste of money – believe me they are not. In combination these forms a formidable obstacle on the way to your bikes.
Assess the possible risks and find the appropriate solution. Do not rely on the area’s reputation. Do not underestimate one’s ingenuity and determination either. The price tag on the bike will drive up the chances of it being stolen. It is your bike, so make sure to do all necessary to protect it. Otherwise one day you’ll open the door just to say “@#^$! Where is my bike?”
That stinks! Sorry to hear about that!
Hard lesson learned
What is wrong w/ ppl? Geez! Great tips
OMG! I had no idea your bikes were stolen 🙁 Such a shame. It sucks too, because once you get used to a bike, a new one just doesn’t feel “right” for quite awhile… the adjustments aren’t quite perfect and all that. Ugh! I really like the idea of using duct tape to help deter theft. What a great idea. And then you have a small stash of duct tape with you wherever you ride, in case the need arises!
You are so right about it. I loved my bike – we’ve gone many miles together
Good tips. I like the idea of making the bike look “less” attractive. We are pretty lucky in my town that many kids can leave their bikes without locks outside the schools.
I so hope we can make a photo collage about it
I’ve seen some pretty fancy bikes unsecured and wondered how people can feel so confident- I think a lock is a must, no matter where you are!
I’d say this is the way to go
Frustrating. My son’s bike got stolen at College 3 times. We just started buying him bikes at Salvation army, that and a good lock has been the best prevention.
That is a great solution for to the problem
Seriously!? That would be so frustrating!
That is how I feel
Wow, how sad that someone would steal your bikes! So sorry! Ours are stored in our garage, but still, I think we need to get locks for them too.
That would be a wise decision
Your neighbor sounds like an idiot. Sorry about that. 🙁
Trust me – this is not the only thing I wanted to tell him
That is just awful. Bikes, especially good bikes, are not cheap! Thanks for writing this post so maybe someone else won’t get their bikes stolen.
You are welcome. We have learn a lesson too
awww sorry to hear about that!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
WAW!!! Nothing stinks more than having something you love be stolen. Sorry about your bikes 🙁
It wasn’t a fun evening
I am always so scared that my kids’ bikes will get stolen. I am sorry that this happened to you but thank you for the tips to keep our bikes safe.
Happy to help
I always store mine with a lock on it when outside – sometimes it’s in my Jeep and sometimes it’s in my house.
Smart move
I hate that people do that! I love the duct tape idea. We keep our bikes locked in our shed because we know they could get stolen so easily. Unfortunately, this also means it discourages us from riding because it is such a pain to get them out.
Wow, that just stinks! I like the duct tape idea, never would have thought of that! I don’t have a bike (I forget how to ride!), but I do want to get back into it one day. I’ll keep these tips in mind.
thats so sad 🙁 Im sorry your bikes were stolen :/
So sorry about your bikes that is just terrible, especially since it due to someone else’s irresponsibility.
How horrible! People amaze me and to the levels they will stoop. Thank you for the tips on keeping our bikes safe and heaven forbid the tip on the frame number, they might possibly be able to track the bike.
I cannot believe someone stole your bike! I haven’t thought about how important it is to keep them safe. If I get one, I’ll be buying a lock to go with it.