A securely locked bicycle in Center City Philadelphia.
In a comparison of U.S. cities, Philadelphia ranked number one in bicycle theft, according to lock manufacturer, Kryptonite.
That's why if you're going to ride in Philadelphia, it’s essential to lock your bike securely every time you park. Here's how:
Step 1 Lock to a solid and immovable object like a bike rack, street lamp, parking meter or tall metal sign post. If you choose a sign post, make sure that it’s tall enough so that your bike can’t be easily lifted up and over. Don’t lock to anything that can thieves can cut like a chain link fence or a small tree.
Step 2 Use two high-quality locks designed for high-crime areas – a U-Lock with a center key lock and a cable or chain lock.
Step 3 Place the U-lock shackle around the pole, bike frame and rear wheel. Loop the cable around your front wheel, bike frame and the U-Lock's shackle. Rattle your locks to double-check that they're secure.
Step 4 Remove all removable accessories. This includes lights, tire pumps, water bottles, detachable baskets and any other gadgets you may have on your bike.
Step 5 Vary your routine. Even if your office is on the corner of Chestnut and 10th Street, don’t park there every day. Thieves watch for patterns. Keep them guessing by regularly shifting your parking spot.
Comments
Why is it not surprising that Philadelphia is number one in bike theft? Thanks for the great tips!
Well that could explain why my bike was stolen :(
The problem with the method set out in this article is that a thief only has to break one lock, the u-lock, to steal the bike.
I recommend using a seperate padlock for the cable or chain. This requires a thief to have two different tools to break the two different types of locks - something very few thieves carry.
I also recommend using an integral rear wheel lock. Some bike manufacturers, such as Pashley or Batavus, have these as standard equipment on their bikes. I ride a Pashley, and use a u-lock, a chain with padlock and the integral rear wheel lock. So far, I've still got my bike.
I recognize that no one is going to stop a thief cutting your lock. However, I've always figured someone would notice someone cutting down a young tree...
I got so sick of A) Having to ride a junk bike around so no one would steal it. B) Having my junk bike stolen cause everything gets stolen no matter how well you lock it. I went and picked up a Montague CX folding bike (which rides great) and I don't have to leave it out at night. Pretty much the only solution that really works.
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