How to lock your bike

Bike theft is still, unfortunately, a major problem but there is a lot that you can do to reduce the risk.

Buy a proper bike lock. The more you spend, the better the lock.

But just as important is where and how you lock your bike.

Lock the frame, not the wheel or other removable item, especially if you have a quick release wheel. These pictures speak for themselves:

What are you locking it to? Make sure whatever you lock the bike to is at least as strong as the lock. Sometimes a thief will find it easier to cut the railing or wooden bench than the lock. And above all, make sure the lock can't slip off. And don't follow this example:

Vandalism is as big a problem as theft, so when you lock your bike, make sure that it can't fall over or slip down or someone will be tempted to stamp on the wheels, as has happened in the picture below. Lamposts are bad for this, so avoid locking them there if you can. This person should have locked the bike to the top of the Sheffield rack.

Never lock your bike at bus stops, or anywhere where it can get in the way of pedestrians. Avoid dark side streets, especially at night - always go for brightly-lit public areas where possible.

Even the Home Office give advice on avoiding bike theft in their leaflet.