As spring break approaches, many students head home or take a trip, leaving their bikes behind. Unfortunately, bikes are often targeted by thieves when they’re left unattended. Help keep your bike safe by sharing these simple precautions.
If possible, take your bike home or store it indoors at a secure location like a friend's house or indoor bike storage area. If leaving the bike on campus is unavoidable, it’s crucial to make sure it is locked properly. Double-lock the bike and park it at a designated bike rack.
The key to bike security is a high-quality lock. Each year, nearly 90% of campus bike thefts happen when the bike is either not locked properly or lacks a solid U-lock. To prevent theft, use a U-lock with a flat key and pair it with a self-locking cable. The U-lock should secure the bike frame and front tire to a rack, while the cable can be used to lock the back tire and, if possible, loop it around the rack.
Finally, register your bike's serial number online for free. This way, if your bike does go missing, the chances of having it returned increase. Registration also helps us return your bike if it’s impounded due to construction, events, or if it was locked improperly.