Data shows that 77,148 bike thefts were reported in the UK between 2022 and 2023—but this doesn’t even include the rumoured 56% that are never reported. The actual number of stolen bikes is likely to be much higher than this.
Here’s our guide on how to lock your bike securely, including things to look out for when choosing a location and tips for your locking technique.
How to lock your bike securely in the street
1. Choose a secure location
When you’re out and about, plan your journey to ensure you can securely park your bike.
Avoid leaving it in areas you know are notorious for bike theft, and always ensure it is secured to something that cannot be moved, lifted, or broken. If it isn’t locked this way, your bike could be stolen in seconds.
You’d be surprised how far some thieves are willing to go, like in this video, where they decided to chop down a tree.
Safe areas are usually:
- well-lit
- covered by CCTV
- busy during the hours you’re leaving your bike
- popular with other cyclists
However, that’s not to say theft can’t still occur in areas that feel safe, so it’s important to be vigilant regardless of how bustling or well-lit your chosen location is. Some thieves may choose an area like this to blend in and subtly take a poorly secured bike.
Remember, what seems to be a perfectly suitable bike rack could have been tampered with, so
carefully inspect any rack before you use it. Ensure there aren’t any hidden loose sections that a thief could have cut beforehand, only to return once an off-guard cyclist has secured their bike to it.
You can find our best practice guidelines on how to lock your bike properly below so you can feel confident in your technique once you’ve found a good location and a sturdy bike stand.
2. Avoid giving clues to vandals or thieves
If it’s safe to do so, consider locking your bike in a secure location at least one street away from where you are spending your day or evening.
That way, if a thief is looking for people leaving their bikes unattended during the working day or an event, such as a film screening or theatre show, they won’t be able to decipher how long you’ll be away from your bike.
Don’t lock it directly outside where you’re going, if you can help it, as this could provide clues as to how long you’ll be away from your bike, givingpotential thieves plenty of time to act.
3. Use an approved lock
Using a Sold Secure approved lock is a good way of upping your overall bike security.
If you have cycling insurance, it’s an especially good idea to check that you’re using locks approved by your insurance provider to ensure your bike is covered in the event of a theft.
A reputable provider will typically replace your bike or reimburse you for its current market value if you do so.
This is reminiscent of the old phrase, ‘penny wise, pound foolish’—using a cheap lock may save you money upfront, but it could cost you a lot more in the long term.
4. Master your locking technique
You don’t want to spend money on good bike locks and then be unable to use them properly. Even the best bike lock on the market won’t be suitable if your locking technique isn’t up to scratch.
For optimal security, you should use two separate Sold Secure locks to attach your bike to a solid, immovable object.
One should lock the frame and either the front or back wheel together to the object, while the other should secure the spare wheel.
Never lock the frame or one wheel only, as this leaves the bike vulnerable to theft. If you only have one lock, it’s best to remove the front wheel and secure both wheels together with the frame.
How to lock your bike securely at home
1. Consider keeping it inside your property
The most secure place to store your bike when it’s at home is inside your property.
It’s usually more practical to lock it up outside on a private bike rack or inside a shed. But, if possible, you might want to consider keeping it inside for the best possible chance of avoiding theft.
That said, if you live in a flat, avoid leaving your bike in a communal hallway. It can be tempting to lock it to a staircase railing or something similar, but a thief could see this as a prime opportunity.
If your property has a communal bike storage facility, double-check with property management to ensure it’s fit for purpose.
If it isn’t safe, you should contact your property management company and suggest improvements they could make to the facility before storing your bike there.
2. Lock it up inside a secure bike shed
A Secured by Design or insurance approved bike shed is the best layer of protectionafter storing your bike inside your property. It should be constructed from robust material, preferably heavy-duty metal such as galvanised steel to deter thieves.
Most opportunists will choose a poorly secured bike left in a garden over one hidden inside a steel bike shed.
Plus, if you are unlucky enough to have your bike stolen from a locked shed, at least you know that this will be covered by your insurance provider—whereas leaving it out in the open would not be.
3. Ensure your home is secure
Having adequate security measures in place will not only prevent theft but also ensure that your bike and cycling equipment are covered by insurance if you are targeted.
Consider installing CCTV cameras if you haven’t already, alongside a sign showingthey’re in operation. You’ll want to ensure that your garden is in clear view of the cameras and provides little to no space for thieves to subtly creep up to your property or bike shed.
The less opportunity you give them to make a swift entrance and exit, the better.
Extra bike security tips
Aside from learning how to lock your bike securely, there are other steps you can take to significantly reduce the likelihood of your bike being stolen:
- register your bike—many thieves keep clearly registered bikes off their radar
- GPS tracking—using a device to track your bike’s location can help you retrieve it (with the help of authorities)
- removing accessories—expensive items should be removed from your bike when you leave it unattended, as thieves see them as a gold mine
- using a bike cover—this can make your bike less of a target, especially when parked in public
For more tips and advice, check out our ultimate guide to bike security.
Specialist bike insurance through Cycleplan
Every cyclist worries about their bike being stolen. However, taking out specialist bike insurance could be one way to help put your mind at ease.
At Cycleplan, we arrange cover that protects your bike and cycling accessories against damage, theft, and loss, both in and out of the home.
You can also choose to add Personal Accident cover to protect you if you’re involved in a serious cycling accident. This covers physiotherapy, broken bones, hospitalisation, and emergency dental expenses relating to your cycling accident.
Click the link above to learn more about cycling insurance through Cycleplan, or get an online quote in minutes and see how we could help you.