What are effective measures to prevent bicycle theft?

Hey, having your bike stolen is truly frustrating. I've been cycling for quite a few years, so let me share some of my absolutely practical tips with you.

1. Locking Your Bike: The Method Matters More Than the Lock Itself

Many people think that once their bike is locked, the job's done. But how you lock it makes a huge difference.

• Core Principle: Always lock the bike frame (the main body) to a sturdy, immovable object. Never just lock the wheel! Thieves can remove the wheel and carry away your frame in seconds, which would be a huge loss.
• Best Locking Method: Use a U-lock, passing it through the rear wheel and the rear triangle of the frame, then securing both to a railing or post. Why the rear wheel? Because the rear wheel, with its derailleur, is much more expensive than the front wheel.
• Upgraded Locking Method: If you're still worried, or if your bike is expensive, you can add a cable lock. Lock the frame and rear wheel with the U-lock as described above, then thread the cable lock through the front wheel and loop both ends of the cable into the U-lock. This way, the entire bike is protected. A thief would need to cut two locks, significantly increasing the difficulty and time required.
• Small Tip: When locking, try to fill as much space inside the lock as possible, leaving minimal gaps. This prevents thieves from getting leverage with tools like hydraulic cutters.

2. Investing in a Good Lock is Like Buying Insurance for Your Bike

Don't skimp on the lock! Cheap chain locks and combination locks from the supermarket are like toys to thieves; they can be "opened in a second" with a pair of large bolt cutters.

• First Choice: U-lock. These are widely considered the most secure locks. When buying, choose one that is thick, heavy, and has a complex locking mechanism. While heavy to carry, they offer immense peace of mind.
• Second Choice: Heavy-duty chain lock. These are the very thick chain locks wrapped in fabric. They are more flexible than U-locks and can adapt to more locking situations, but make sure to buy one that is thick enough, otherwise it won't withstand hydraulic cutters.
• Absolutely Avoid: Thin cable locks, combination locks. These can basically only deter honest people, not thieves.

3. Where You Park Determines Half of Your Bike's Fate

• Park in Busy Areas: Prioritize well-lit, high-traffic areas, such as outside shopping malls or designated parking zones near subway stations. Thieves are wary of being watched and won't dare to "operate" in plain sight.
• Find a "Good Neighbor": If there's a row of bikes, try to park yours in the middle, ideally next to a "neighbor" whose bike is more expensive but has a weaker-looking lock (a bit unethical, but very effective).
• Check What You're Locking To: Before locking, always shake the railing or post you intend to use. Ensure it's securely welded to the ground and not easily pulled up or disassembled. Some thieves deliberately damage railings, just waiting for you to fall into their trap.
• Bring It Indoors for Long-Term Parking: If you're parking your bike overnight or for an extended period, never leave it outside. Bring it into a hallway, your home, or a monitored underground garage, and even indoors, lock it! Don't think it's too much hassle.

4. Some Tips to Make Thieves "Lose Interest"

• Make Your Bike "Ugly": A brand new, shiny bike is most attractive to thieves. Get creative: put on some personalized stickers, or wrap a few layers of electrical tape around the frame to make it look a bit old and unique. Thieves will be much less interested in a "used bike" that's hard to resell.
• Note Down Its "ID Card": Flip your bike over; on the bottom of the frame (under the bottom bracket where the pedals connect) there will be a unique serial number. Take a photo of it with your phone, and also take a few full-body shots of your beloved bike. If it's unfortunately stolen, having this information when reporting it to the police will significantly increase the chances of recovery.
• Take Accessories With You: Always take easily detachable small items like your bike lights, cyclocomputer, and pump with you when you leave. Otherwise, even if your bike isn't stolen, these small parts might be.

Remember these points, develop good habits, and your beloved bike will be much safer.