Secure Your Bike - Bike Locks

Bike theft in the UK is a huge problem with thousands of bikes taken from the UK roads each year (see Motorbike Theft - The Facts). One of the major problems is the fact that some bikers adopt the stance that 'it won't happen to me' and aren't securing their bikes properly. With this in mind, this is the next article in the motorbike theft series and looks at bike locks to be used in conjunction with your alarm and immobiliser as a means for protecting your bike.

Locks

There are many different types of locks on the market to day for the conscience bike owner. By using one or more of these locks when you leave your bike you can greatly reduce the risk of theft. Some of the most common locks on the market include:

U-locks - Very secure but can be difficult to carry due to its size and shape.

Chains - Very versatile and can be used to secure the bike to non-moveable objects.

Disc lock - Very effective at immobilising a bike and easy to carry due to its small size.

Brake locks - Fitted directly to the front brake, again they are effective and small in size.

One of the best ways of using a lock to its best capability is to use the locking device to stop any movement of the bike. By making sure that the lock is fitted correctly you can stop any movement of the bike which means that a thief will find it harder to illegally remove your bike. Another way of utilising locks is to lock the bike to an immoveable object such as a lamp post, which again will make a thief's life very difficult.

Not only will a lock give you piece of mind when parking and leaving your motorbike but these locks can equal a saving on your bike insurance. When taking out you bike insurance talk to your bike insurance provider. Some bike insurance companies will offer the rider discounts for the use of thatcham approved locking devices such as the Datatool Python padlock and chain.

By making sure that you have secured your bike properly when parking you can reduce the risk of theft dramatically. If we all took a moment to fit that lock then we could stamp out theft and everyone could benefit from cheap motorbike insurance.