1. Locking to a stationary object

1. LOCK YOUR BIKE TO A STATIONARY OBJECT

To make it as difficult as possible for thieves, it is important to fix the bike to a stationary object. This prevents the bike from being simply taken away and opened at another location. A lamppost or a tree are the ideal objects to choose for locking your bike at. The object to which the bike is locked should be at least as strong as the lock itself and should be high enough to prevent the bike with lock from being lifted over. 

2. Lock your bike as high as possible

2. LOCK YOUR BIKE AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE

The higher a thief has to work with his tools to pick the lock, the more difficult it becomes for him. If it’s possible for him to lay his tools like a bolt cutter down on the ground, the thieve can apply way more power to the lock as its possible just with his hands.

3. Keep the locking space as small as possible

3. KEEP THE LOCKING SPACE AS SMALL AS POSSIBLE

To make it even harder for thieves to break your bike lock, keep the space between the stationary object, lock and bike as small as possible. In the best case this space is so small that it’s nearly impossible to apply a bolt cutter or other tools.

4. Lock your bike at a well-lit and busy place!

4. LOCK YOUR BIKE AT A WELL-LIT AND BUSY PLACE

Thieves want to attract as less attention as possible. If you place your bike at a well-lit and busy place, the chances of the bike being stolen are lower than in a dark alley or in a less busy industrial area for example.

5. Use several types of locks

5. USE SEVERAL TYPES OF LOCKS!

It is more difficult to break several locks, because different lock types often have to be opened with different tools. The theft of multiple secured bikes is also much more time-consuming. When using several locks, always lock them according to the value of the bike components (e.g.: main lock for frame and/or rear wheel, additional lock for front wheel).

6. Take your components

6. TAKE YOUR COMPONENTS

Not only the bike itself is valuable, but also many components on the bike are an interesting target for thieves. Lights, displays or e-bike batteries should always be carried or additionally secured when locking your bike.