I know the feeling all too well and it is never easy to have your personal belongings stolen, what less your mode of transportation. It is frustrating, it is a violation, and it is wrong.
Thank you to District 2 Councilmember Lorie Zapf and SDPD for partnering to expand the Bait Bike Program, which will help deter thieves from stealing in our community. This is a very successful program and I appreciate the leadership to support healthy modes of transportation. There are also many things that people that own bikes can do to prevent being a victim to stolen bike. Bikes are an easy target for thieves and it is up to you, the rider, to take extra care of your bike to ensure it is safe and out of reach from these sticky fingers.
We must be mindful of where we leave our bikes and that they don’t become an opportunity for someone looking to make a few bucks or get a quick fix. Here’s 10 tips to consider 1. First Thing To Do Right Now – Take a picture of your bike and the serial number. Keep this info on your phone or somewhere else, but make sure you have this info. You will need the serial number to report a stolen bike and it really is the only way for SDPD to find its owner. 2. Ride your bike often. The more you ride it, the less time they have to steal it. 3. Always keep your third eye on your bike. Park where you can see it. Just because bike racks are around the corner does not mean you have to use them. Instead find a pole that is right out front where people can see it. 4. Use a good lock – a cable lock is very easy to cut and one should never rely on a cable lock to prevent a local thief. A U-lock or heavy chain lock is recommended, Investing in a proper lock is a wise investment. 5. Add plenty of bells and whistles to your bike – Deck out your bike and give it moxie. Extras on a bike create a paper trail for thieves. Thieves prefer an easy, clean bike and don’t want to deal with all the extras. Give your bike character and the perception that you are right around the corner. 6. Don’t leave your bike unattended for long periods of time. Store your bike safely at your house. Thieves are strolling our streets at all hours and an easy opportunity is an unlocked bike on the side of the house in the am hours. Take bikes inside. If you are confined to a small space, consider your bike your best piece of wall art and hang it proudly over the couch. If you ride to work, encourage your employer to provide a secure place for bikes. For the unfortunate ones that have been victim to their bikes being stolen, I am sorry for your loss and understand the agony. Time will make it easier and realize that there are far worse things that can happen in the world. Hopefully you had some memorable rides on it and that you are able to find it or replace your lost set of wheels so to get you back on the road soon. 7. If your bike is stolen – PLEASE REPORT IT to SDPD. This is so important and valuable. The paperwork is simple. If there is no report, then technically there was no bike stolen. Please make a report if your bike is stolen, otherwise no-one will know, enforcement will be limited, and therefore bikes will continue to be stolen from our community. You will have a better opportunity to get your bike recovered if you can provide serial number. 8. Keep an eye out for your stolen bike. Often your stolen bike never leaves your community. I have recovered a bike 6 months after it had been stolen and still check every black beach cruiser as if it could be my lost childhood treasure that went missing a few years ago. Be optimistic and look out for it. It may just come back to you when you least expect it. 9. Use social media to bring awareness – neighbors are your best allies. Post on Nextdoor, check Craigslist, and send to your social network. Creating signs stating, Reward for Stolen. 10. If you are still discouraged with bike ownership due to fear of it being stolen, or just haven’t got around to replacing a stolen bike, I highly recommend Bike Share. With the recent roll out of Dockles Bike Share, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy our city by bike. There is no need to ever worry about having a bike stolen, continued maintenance, or the lack of space to store a bike. It is a wonderful transportation option for residents and we should embrace all the benefits of a bike. Keep your bike secure, enjoy the ride, and ride often. Nicole Burgess is the City of San Diego Bicycle Advisory Committee, District 2 representative.