Prevention essentials
Five habits for every stop
Lock your bicycle every time
A quick visit to a shop or café is still long enough for an unlocked bicycle to disappear. Lock it whenever it leaves your sight, even if you expect to be away for only a minute.
Choose reliable, suitable locks
Lightweight locks can be defeated quickly. Choose sturdy locks appropriate to the bicycle and check that their mechanisms close fully. A local bicycle shop can explain the available lock types.
If an insurer requires a particular certification, confirm those terms before buying or travelling. Certification schemes and policy conditions can differ.
Use two locks and secure the frame
Use the primary lock to secure the frame to a fixed bicycle stand. A second lock can secure a wheel and create another obstacle. Two different lock types may require different tools to defeat.
Do not secure only a removable front wheel. Keep locks away from the ground where practical, reducing the opportunity to use the surface for leverage.
Choose the parking place carefully
Prefer a designated stand in a visible, well-used area. Broken locks, stripped bicycles or damaged racks can indicate a poor location. For longer stops, managed or supervised facilities are the stronger choice.
City centres and larger stations often provide dedicated facilities. See the guide to bicycle parking and check posted conditions at the facility.
Remove valuables and accessories
Take your passport, money, navigation device and keys. Detachable lights, pumps, bottles and bicycle bags may also disappear, even if the bicycle remains. Remove anything that is easy to carry or costly to replace.
