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Bicycle parking - Tips for cyclists |
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 The bicycle
- Always keep your bicycle locked, even in a garage or on a porch.
- Lock at least one wheel (preferably two) and the frame to the rack or object. This also prevents your bicycle from falling over. If you only lock the wheel, your bicycle can be detached quickly and carried away.
- If you don't need a quick release seat and wheels, replace them with standard bolts.
- If you do want quick release items, take them with you or lock them to your frame.
- Take lights, mirrors, bags and panniers with you, along with anything else that is not securely fastened.
- Consider riding an inexpensive (beater) bicycle for every day use and short trips.
 The lock
- Invest in the best quality lock (or two) that you can afford - usually a hardened steel U lock or hardened steel chain and padlock.
- Use two different locks - one for each wheel - so that a thief would need two different types of tools.
- Make sure chains cannot be smashed against the ground.
- Position a U lock so that the keyhole faces down towards the ground. A keyhole that is located in the middle of the straight bar (instead of at the end) offers greater security.
 The location
- Look for a busy, well-lit place to lock up.
- Lock to sturdy, immovable objects that are securely bolted down.
- Make sure your bicycle cannot be lifted over the object.
- Avoid locking to materials that can be cut, like wire fencing, trees, and wooden railings.
- Avoid "sucker poles" by checking to make sure that sign poles are securely fastened to the ground.
- Out of courtesy, never lock to wheelchair ramps.
Register your bicycle
- Register your bicycle with the police on-line at www.torontopolice.on.ca/bike. You will need to know the serial number (it will be somewhere on the frame) and the make/model.
- Always report a stolen bicycle or part - even if your bicycle was not registered. If there are numerous thefts in an area, the police should be informed about them.
- Do not support the market for stolen bicycles. Only buy a second-hand bicycle from someone you trust. If you are not sure whether a bicycle has been stolen, ask questions or call the police.
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