Public Safety Reminds SLU Community of Tips to Keep Bicycles Safe

The Department of Public Safety reminds everyone that a core component of preventing theft is making valuables harder to steal.

Bicycles are a main form of transportation for some students and can also be a large investment. With that in mind, the Department of Public Safety has a few tips to help ensure your bike stays where you left it.

• Do not leave your bicycle unsecured, even if only for a little while. Someone need only hope on and ride off.
• Lock your bike through the frame, and if possible, through both the back wheel and the frame.
• Do not lock your bike through the front wheel. The front wheel can be quickly and easily removed, leaving the rest of your bike for the taking. Your lock is useless if it is not applied correctly.
• Always lock your bike in a well-lit area with high foot traffic.
• A U lock is preferable to a cable lock.
• Don’t buy the cheapest lock available. You are protecting an investment, and your lock should reflect that. Experts recommend spending at least 10 percent of your bikes value on your lock.
• Get the tightest-fitting lock possible. The less room inside of your lock, the more difficult it will be to use tools on them.

Contact Sean Polley, public safety officer, at polleysm@slu.edu.