Keep Your Bike Campaign

When out and about on your bike there are a number of precautions you should take. 

 From the An Garda Siochána advice sheet-

• Always lock your bike, even if leaving it for a few 

brief moments. 

• Lock your bike to an immovable object e.g. a metal railing or lamppost.  Be aware, if using a lamppost, of the possibility of lifting the locked bicycle over the lamppost. 

• Lock your frame and wheels if at all possible. 

• Where bicycles parks are available, use them. 

• Take all accessories and easily removable objects with you. 

• Consider replacing quick release levers with normal nuts and bolts or with special locking nuts

and bolts.

• Do not leave / park your bike in isolated, dark or dimly lit places 

• Try not to leave / lock your bike in the same place every day. 

There are many different types of lock available that can be used for locking your bicycle.  When choosing a lock you should consider how much your bicycle is worth, where you will leave it, how long it will be left unattended and the strength and weight of the lock etc.  Most bicycles are locked using the following means - 

• D locks / U locks 

• Cable locks 

• Chain and padlocks, and 

• Click locks. 

D locks / U locks - are rigid steel locks in a D or U shape.  They are generally heavy and strong, though the strength can vary and is normally reflected in the price.  There are limitations as to where these locks can be utilised e.g. they may not fit around many lampposts. 

Cable locks - are flexible and can be used in many situations.  Cables, of course, can vary significantly in both weight and strength.  Invariably, cheap and thinner cables can easily be cut and so should not be used as a sole locking method. 

Chains and Padlocks - will also vary in both weight and strength.  Heavier ones can be awkward to carry around and manoeuvre around frames and lampposts or railings.  Good quality hardened chains and padlocks do offer good security.  It is important, however, to keep the chain and lock off the ground/pavement or against walls when your bike is secured as the chain or lock 

can easily be broken with a sledgehammer or cold 

chisel if resting on these areas.