In our constant quest to return oldies but goodies from our old website I present the MassBike guide for locking up your bicycle, with some updates. You can download this brochure for printing here (.doc)

LOCKING YOUR BIKE

We've all seen them “ lone bicycle wheels locked to parking meters, and broken bike locks hanging from fences with no bicycle in sight. Maybe you've come back to where you left your bike “ and found that it's been stolen! We here at MassBike never want this to happen to you.

Here's what you can do to avoid bicycle theft:

1. • Always lock your bike! It takes only seconds to pedal away on an unlocked bike.

• • Use two different locks, with separate locking mechanisms. Thieves carry tools that will either snip cables, or pry-apart U-locks “ but rarely both. A cable-lock and a U-lock together are very secure.

• • Each lock should have its own built-in locking device (a key-lock or combination lock, but not a padlock). Don't use a cable that's secured by a U-lock “ once the thief gets through the U-lock, he's got your bike!

• • Pull your cable lock through both wheels, and lock it around a bike rack or other closed loop stand. Open-top posts (like parking meters or traffic signs) let thieves lift bikes over them. If you use a cable lock and a Ulock, you don't need to remove your front wheel to secure it.

• • Wrap your U-lock around a secure post. Then pass it around your rear wheel rim inside the bike's rear triangle. It's not necessary for the lock to secure the frame “ if the U-lock locks the rim inside of the frame triangle behind your seat-tube, the bike cannot be stolen by removing the rear wheel. If you can get the frame as well that is a bonus.

• • A small U-lock is better than a large one. Small locks are much harder to pry open with a crowbar than a wide U-lock.

This bike is locked to a rack with a cable lock and a mini-U-lock. The cable lock secures both wheels to the rack, and the U-lock locks the front wheel and frame to the rack. It cannot be stolen unless the thief can defeat both locks.


MORE THEFT DETERRENTS

• • Don't leave removable gear on your bike. Take pumps, lights, and other accessories with you.

• • Park your bike where you see other bikes parked. Seek lighted areas with foot traffic.

• • Write your name and telephone number on a piece of Tyvek (a sturdy cloth-like plastic available at hardware stores), and identify yourself as the bike's owner. Put this inside your rear tire between the rim and the inner tube. A bike shop will see this if they are asked to repair a flat tire!

• • Ask your employer, your favorite shops, and other places you visit on your bicycle to provide safe, weather-protected bicycle parking.

Here are some rather poor locking jobs:


It is possible to go a little overboard:

[caption id="attachment_1024" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="via flickr"][/caption]