Lock it Up... and Ensure It's There When You Return - Tips on How to Lock Up Your Bike

Spring has sprung which means summer is only around the corner. With the arrival of warmer weather, we are ditching the vehicles and public transport in favor of our bicycles. Great for your body, the environment, and for thieves who want to make a buck by hocking your beautiful set of wheels. The National Bike Registry estimates that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen annually. Don't let the thieves win, lock it up!

Kryptonite, a leading bike lock brand, has provided us with a set of basic rules for proper bike locking technique:

Step 1: "Choose the right lock."

According to Kryptonite, the level of security of the lock depends on where you are securing it and how long you plan on leaving it there. There are U-Locks, U-Locks with a double looped cable, and mini-chain locks.

Step 2: "Always lock your bike to a solid object that it cannot be lifted over."

This seems pretty obvious, but it happens constantly. You pass by bikes chained to signs, poles, or even fences that only require minimal effort to simply lift the bike and lock over to free it. Take the extra second and look for a secure bike rack or pole that will ensure your investment will be there waiting for you when you return.

Step 3: "Lock your bike in a well-lit area with high foot traffic."

Another seemingly obvious step, but again, make sure that there are working street lights in your immediate vicinity. This isn't just for your bike's sake, it's a good rule to practice in general. Also, the more people around, the less likely someone is to take something that doesn't belong to them.

Step 4: "Make sure what you lock your bike to cannot be cut."

Chain link, young trees, anything plastic or rusty… don't lock your bike to them. Simple enough. You want to ensure that your high-quality lock can do its job by locking it to something secure.

Step 5: "Lock according to value."

Your frame is the most expensive part of your bike, always ensure that is locked up. Next is your rear wheel, followed by your front wheel. If you are going to be leaving the bike for a while, lock them all up.

Step 6: "Get a tight fit."

This will ensure that it will be incredibly difficult to fit tools of the trade like bolt cutters or saws in between the lock and the frame. The less room, the less likely they can successfully cut the locks.

Step 7: "Position your lock off the ground with the keyhole facing down."

Having the lock off the ground will ensure that thieves cannot just simply bash the lock on the ground to open it. Though, a quality lock, like those we offer, will not be susceptible to this. Also, having the keyhole facing the ground will deter thieves from using tools or implements in the keyhole in order to pop it open.

Another big player in the bike lock market is Abus, whose locks are made in Germany. They have provided some short videos on basic bike security and tips on how to choose the right lock for your bike: 

All in all, ensure that you take a few extra moments to be aware of your surroundings when locking up your bike, use proper locking methods, and good equipment, and you will deter most thieves from taking your bicycle. Take a look at our selection of high-quality locks and make sure that you keep your wheels!