_

Whether you ride your bike to work every day or just hit your local trails on weekends, keep these tips in mind to make sure your bike is always right where you left it:

  1. Double up your security by using two high-quality locks. U-locks tend to be more durable than thin cable locks, which can be cut through more easily. But because of their shape, U-locks limit the amount of bike you can secure at one time, so consider pairing yours with a sturdy steel chain.
  2. Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too. If you choose to double your security by using both a U-lock and a steel chain, first thread the U-lock through to the bike frame, the bike rack or other secure structure, and one wheel. Then, loop the cable lock through both the front and back wheel, as well as through the U-lock.
  3. Swap quick-release seat and wheel skewers for ones that require keys. Seats and wheels on most new bikes come with ‘quick-release’ mechanisms, which make it easy to take them off if you need to load your bike into a car — but they also make your seat and wheels easier to steal. If you don’t need to frequently remove your wheels and seat, consider switching the quick-release skewers for ones that require keys.
  4. Make your bike unique. Bikes with personalized elements are easier to identify after they’ve been stolen, so they’re harder for thieves to sell — making them less likely to be stolen than more generic styles. Consider giving your bike a one-of-a-kind paint job or adding distinctive decals. This can be a fun DIY project that also helps deter thieves.
  5. Try out a smart lock. Controlled by your smartphone, a smart lock can alert you when your bike is in motion, and even allow you to track the bike’s location. There are also locks that sound loud alarms or emit smelly gases when tampered with to stop thieves in their tracks. Consider trying out one of these high-tech devices for added security.
  6. Always bring your bike inside at night. Most bike thieves prefer to operate when the sun goes down and no one is around to watch. Whenever possible, bring your bike indoors at night — and if you can’t bring it indoors, lock it up in a well-lit area.
  7. If you return to your bike to find that one of its tires has been punctured, don’t leave it unattended. Unlock your bike and take it with you, because chances are, a thief has popped your tire on purpose and plans to come back and cut your locks later.
  8. Take note of your bike’s serial number. It’s not always possible to prevent bike theft, but in the event that your bike is stolen, you can help the authorities track it down. If you know your bike’s serial number, the authorities can call local pawn shops and other second-hand stores to find out if anyone has sold them a bike with that serial number. That way, if the thief sold your bike, the police may be able to recover it. In some cities, you may even be able to register your serial number with the local police when you buy your bike, so they have it on file and can contact you if they find a bike registered under your name.

These are just a few of the things you can do to prevent bicycle theft. Did you know that you may also be able to protect your investment by insuring your bike under your home, tenant, or condo insurance policy? Most of these policies provide limited coverage for bicycles, so depending on your bike’s value, you may want to add an endorsementopens a pop-up with definition of endorsement to your policy to make sure it’s fully protected. Reach out to your licensed broker to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your bike in the event that it is stolen.

Want to help other cyclists protect their bikes, too? Share these tips on Facebook or Twitter.