The attachment point and the location chosen for parking influence the safety of your bike.
The choice of padlock and its positioning can limit the risk of theft.
It is advisable to assemble the detachable parts of your bicycle into a single unit.
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Mobility Special
For an occasional ride or for daily travel, the bicycle is increasingly popular. But this gentle mobility is not without its annoyances since with the increase in the number of users, the number of thefts of these two wheels has also increased. More than 400,000 bicycles are stolen each year in France, according to figures from the French Federation of Bicycle Users. An anxiety for some cyclists, who wonder how should you attach your bike to prevent it from disappearing?
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Attach your bike to something stationary
Whether for a few minutes or several hours, it is strongly recommended not to tie up your bike anywhere outdoors. The best is to hang it on something stationary. The hoops dedicated to two wheels remain the most suitable. But, if parking designed for bicycles is not available, the key is to attach them to an imposing object, which cannot be loosened or dismantled easily. Avoid objects that are too tall, such as trees, posts or traffic signs, on which your padlock can slide. A well-equipped thief could actually break this clip and take your bike. Even if you attach your two wheels to street furniture intended for this purpose, remain vigilant if the attachment seems to be coming loose from the ground or if it appears to be weakened.
Lock your bike as much as possible
The more difficult your bike is to access, the less likely thieves will be to steal it. It is therefore essential to attach it with secure equipment. For example, you can opt for two padlocks, so as to lock each wheel to the frame and the anchor point. U-locks or chains are suitable for this purpose. In any case, be careful not to take padlocks that are too large for your needs. The slack can make it easier for thieves who would like to cut your locks. There are also padlocks with an integrated cable that allow you to attach the two wheels and the frame together. A practical solution, but slightly less secure, since the cable can break more easily with cutting pliers.
Pay attention to the environment
It is important to keep in mind that some places are more prone to theft than others. In fact, if you park your bike near a cinema, a concert hall or a football stadium, you give a clue to thieves, who then know that they have time to give up your padlock. before you come back. It is therefore better to park your two wheels a little further away and walk to your meeting point. Likewise, if you notice that the rings provided for bicycles are all empty, this should alert you. Perhaps it is simply because no one uses bicycles in the area or perhaps the regulars have understood that this place is particularly conducive to theft. It is best not to take unnecessary risks and park elsewhere.
Remove anything removable from your bike
Not to mention a total disappearance, the theft of certain parts of your bike is possible. And for good reason, the saddle or a wheel can be stolen if they are poorly attached. So the idea is that your bicycle is one piece. Several options are then possible. You can remove any parts of your bike that are removable and group them together. Remove, for example, the front wheel and attach it to its twin, if you only have one lock. Likewise, remove your saddle if you cannot attach it to the rest of the frame. This also applies to a basket or panniers. Even if their loss will not prevent you from riding, any theft is good to avoid.
