4 Safer Ways to use Bike Racks in Perth

Cycling is a healthy activity, it’s a great way to get around, and it’s steadily growing in popularity. However, alongside the increase in cycling, we have seen a rise in bike theft, and this isn’t too surprising. After all, some of these bikes are extremely expensive, and this makes them an obvious target for thieves. To counter this threat, many business owners and communities are installing bike racks to provide safer parking. But, some cyclists are not making the best use of these facilities, and they still get their bikes stolen. In this article, we will look at four safer ways to use a bike rack to secure your bike.

1. Pick a Visible Bike Rack

This may seem obvious, but some cyclists are parking their bikes in bike racks that are hidden from onlookers. A thief can steal a bike in a short period of time, but they do need a certain amount of privacy to steal without being caught in the act. A bike thief will take the location into consideration before they attempt to steal a bike. Busier areas where there are a number of onlookers and passing foot traffic are typically avoided. So, always choose a bike rack that is in a more bustling area and if you want to park your bike at night, make sure that the bike rack is located in a well lit area.

2. Make Your Bike Secure

It’s essential to make your bike as hard to steal as possible, and this is where a good bike lock is critical. The most secure bike racks are useless if you don’t secure your bike to them with a high quality bike lock. The best type of bike lock is a U-lock, and it’s advisable to use at least two when you lock your bike up. The first should be passed through the frame and through the front wheel and the second in the same way through the rear wheel and post. Even a U-lock can be prised open if the bike thief has enough time, so always lock your bike up in a busy area as discussed above. Cable style bike locks should be avoided, they are easy to cut open with bolt cutters, and they offer no security for your bike.

3. Remove the Accessories

The bike may be securely locked up, but what about the attached accessories and other equipment. If you have any extra electronic devices or attached panniers on the bike, it’s crucial to remove them when you leave your bike alone. After all, most of this equipment is easy to remove, and it can be carried away easily. Items like this are typically easier to sell on because they don’t have identifying numbers to track.

4. Make Your Bike Harder to Sell

Every bike thief is driven by profit, they don’t keep the bike to ride, and they need to sell your bike to make their money. So, they will typically target bikes that they can sell quickly to make money as fast as they possibly can. So, it’s essential to register your bike with the police and get it marked so that it’s easier to track.

If you want to install bike racks in Perth, get in touch with Image Bollards for expert help and advice.

Supply and install high quality security bollards around Australia, we supply wide range of bollards including steel bollards, removable, along with rubber wheel stops.