If you cycle regularly, whether on your daily commute or for pleasure at the weekends, you’ll want to know that your bike is safe, even on days when the weather is a little too cold or icy for you to use it. Here are some top tips to keep it secure.
Invest in a sturdy bike lock
As obvious as it may sound, your bike is most vulnerable to theft when you leave it locked up in a public place – be it your work car park or a bike rack in the city centre. Making sure you have a robust lock for your wheels is therefore essential if you want to deter thieves.
If possible, choose a lock that can be secured around the frame of the bike, as well as the wheel, as this will make it much more difficult for any would-be thieves to remove it. Opt for strong materials as well – this will usually mean you have to pay a bit more for your lock but, if you have an expensive bike, it will be more than worth it to know it’s safe.
Make sure that whatever lock you decide to buy is weatherproof, as it is likely to be exposed to rain and potentially icy conditions throughout the British winter.
Have secure storage at home
Don’t forget about bike security as soon as you get home – simply leaving your wheels out in the garden unlocked and unprotected could result in them being stolen. If possible, store your bike somewhere indoors, such as in the shed or garage, as this will mean it is much more secure and also hidden from view.
If you’re not sure how you’ll fit a bike into a cramped shed, take a look at your current storage units and work out whether you would be better off swapping a couple of shelves for a shed racking system.
This involves attaching either a slatwall or mesh to one wall in your shed and then fitting specially-designed hooks, shelves, catches and supports to hold your bike, helmet and other accessories in position.
These are highly versatile storage products, as you can rearrange the shelves, hooks and baskets at any time to meet your changing needs.
If you don’t have a garden shed or garage – or don’t have space for a bike in these places – you could invest in a bike storage shed, which is designed to hold up to three adult-sized bicycles in a secure container.
Of course, when you store your bike in a secure environment at home you won’t just be protecting it from thieves – you’ll also be keeping it out of the elements. This is especially important if you are only an occasional cyclist, as leaving a bike out in the open will result in it rusting and getting damaged. Rain, ice, snow and even sunlight can all degrade a bike over time, so it pays to keep your wheels under cover.
Use lights and reflective clothing
The other time when not only your bike, but also you, are at risk is when you’re on the roads. In the winter, this is particularly the case, as the sun sets early and you will often experience adverse weather conditions.
To ensure you are as visible as possible to other road users, make sure you have bright bike lights (and that you always turn them on) and wear reflective clothing. Even if you do not plan to cycle after the sun goes down, it is advisable to carry such equipment with you, in case your plans change or there is very poor visibility on the roads due to fog, for instance.
