Best Bike Lock Tips

Here are some of the best bike lock tips to keep your bicycle(s) safe and in your possession.

1. Register your bike: You can register your bike at such bicycle registries as Stolen Bicycle Registry, Bike Registry, Bike Sheperd, and National Bike Registry among others. You may be able to register your bike with your local police station or fire department.

2. Lock your bike: This may sound obvious but you might be surprised to know that most bicycle thefts occur because the bike wasn't locked! While no lock may prevent 100% of thefts, a good quality bike lock will deter common thieves and will make most potential thieves think twice about whether they should spend the time trying to deal with your bike locks or go to the next bike that isn't secured. One of the best bike locks tips to always remember is to make your bike less desirable to steal than everyone else's and that means using good quality locks. Kryptonite suggests spending 10% of the total cost of your bike on security.

3. Lock your bike properly: Lock the frame, front and back wheels to a permanent, non-moveable object. Lock them tightly and don't leave the locks loose and don't lock them too close to the ground as it increases the leverage a thief can use. Use at least 2 different types of locks (i.e. U-Lock and chain lock) to make it harder for someone to steal your bike and to make a potential thief look elsewhere.

4. Learn what areas are safe and what aren't: Typically you're going to find places that seem to attract more bike thieves than others. Find out from other local riders where the dangerous area are and stay away from them and park your bike elsewhere.

5. Find the right place to lock your bike: Choose visible locations that are likely to be well-lit, well-trafficked and in an area with other bikes and ideally in an area with cameras to deter thieves. Lock your bike to a non-moveable object like a bike rack but also one that can't be manipulated. Locking your bike to a post where a thief can lift the bike and lock over top of it doesn't do you or your bike much good. Don't pick an object that can be broken or moved to lock your bike to either.

6. Safely store your bike: The best place to store your bike is a secure location where the bike is out of sight. Use your locks to secure your bike especially if your storage facility has public access.

7. Remove accessories: When you see someone walking around with a bike seat in their hand, do you ever wonder if it's their seat...or one that they just stole from someone else's bike? Most bikes these days have quick-release seats and tires. Take your seat with you and/or lock tires together and to a permanent, non-moveable object like a bike rack. Remember to take removable pumps, bags and other things with you too.

8. Don't leave your bike locked in one place for too long: Don't tempt thieves by leaving your bike locked in a public place overnight or longer unless absolutely necessary. The longer it's left there, the greater chance you'll attract unwanted attention.

At the end of the day, the best bike lock tips to always keep in mind are related to using common sense. Making your bike harder to steal makes it more likely thieves will target someone else.