Preventing bike theft in Winnipeg
One of the most common problems that cyclists in Winnipeg encounter – bicycle theft. In a city with a high number of bike riders, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect our valuable bicycles. According to the city, about 2,000 bikes are reported stolen in Winnipeg every year. About 1,000 are recovered, but only 10 per cent of those are returned. Here are some ideas to help prevent bicycle theft in Winnipeg.
Always Lock your Bicycle Properly
The first thing you need to do is to make sure your bike is locked up properly. Use a high-quality lock and make sure to lock up both the frame and the wheels securely. Lock your bike in a well-lit area and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods of time.
We suggest getting a bike lock that is valued at approximately 20% of the value of your bike. The more valuable your bike, the stronger lock you want since high-priced bikes are targeted.
Register Your Bicycle
Registering your bicycle is one of the best ways to prevent bike theft. This will help to recover your bike if it is ever stolen. Make sure to keep the registration information in a safe place. We’ve chosen to partner with 529 Garage. Through their app you can register your bike, add photos, and report it stolen. 529 Garage has helped recover bikes worldwide.
Keep Your Bicycle Out of Sight
When you’re not using your bike, keep it out of sight. Don’t leave your bike in your front yard or in plain view of the street. Instead, store it in a garage or shed. If you don’t have a garage, consider keeping your bike in your house.
In your garage or house, go the extra mile and lock your bike up inside to a strong stationary object. Lock it up just as you would outside on a bike rack.
Invest in a GPS Tracker
Investing in a GPS tracker is a great way to prevent bike theft. If your bike is stolen, you can use the GPS tracker to locate it. Many GPS trackers are small and can be attached to your bike discreetly. Apple air tags are a useful, but trackable. A great option is a Knog Scout. Not only can they track your bike, the Knog Scout has an alarm built in too.
Use Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool to help prevent bike theft. Post pictures of your bike on social media and ask your friends to share them. This will make it more difficult for a thief to sell your bike, as it will be recognizable to a larger audience.
Be Vigilant
Be vigilant when you’re out and about with your bike. Avoid leaving your bike unattended, even for a few minutes. If you see someone acting suspiciously around your bike, report it to the police immediately.
Conclusion
Bicycle theft is a common problem in Winnipeg, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Always lock your bike properly, register it with the police, keep it out of sight, invest in a GPS tracker, use social media, and be vigilant. By taking these steps, you can protect your valuable bicycle and enjoy riding it for years to come.
I hope you found these tips helpful. Stay safe out there, Winnipeg cyclists!
