Tuesday
Apr012008
Hacking Campus Bike Racks
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by Kelly Sutton Okay, so my Flip Video camera arrived today along with a lighting kit for the podcast. I'm officially obsessed. Here's a quickie I shot about securing your bike to what I call "wheel racks."
Reader Comments (6)
That method wont stop thieves. All it takes is a piece of plywood wedged between the bike and the U-lock to break it. The best bet is to use 2 locks, a U-lock and a chain lock. It doesn't guarantee protection, but it means thieves have to use 2 different methods of stealing your bike.
FYI...I go to a campus where bikes are stolen on the order of 1 or 2 per day. If you have an expensive bike, your best bet is to keep it inside with you.
Damn, I didn't know that. Now I'm paranoid.
The 2 buildings that I frequent with "wheel racks" are the only 2 buildings I've been reprimanded in for keeping my bike with me.
I live in Austin where the number of bikes stolen is above average, and the campus newsletter rarely mentions stolen bikes that have been u-locked (not that it doesn't happen). Getting through a u-lock is just a lot more conspicuous so people are far more likely to notice and report it. But yes, the 2 lock system is ideal and recommended by the campus police. Best of luck.
Bike theft isn't too bad on LMU's campus. If you leave your bike unlocked it will get stolen. Public Safety cuts through your wire locks if its chained up "illegally."
Hopefully no potential LMU bike thief is reading these comments...
I also live in Austin and using 2 locks is necessary if you're going to be keeping your bike anywhere for long. Make sure they go through both wheels, or they can be stolen. Also, if it's a particularly bad part of town, take a wrench with you and take off your bike seat. I've seen so many people who've locked up their bikes, only to come back to missing bike seat. Not a fun ride home, I'm sure.
That bike rack sucks big time!