Bicycle
Theft Prevention, Safety & Maintenance
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- Public Safety
Launches Lock It or Lose It Campaign
In response to an increase in bicycle thefts locally, the Department
is working hard to educate the community about bicycle theft prevention
measures.
Read the Lock
It or Lose It brochure online
Unregistered
Bicycle Removal
Simultaneously,
the college is also renewing its efforts to remove unregistered
bicycles from campus to make more room for registered
bicycles. Bicycles may be removed as early as this fall; be sure
to register yours to be sure it will be allowed to stay on campus.
Bicycle decals will now have an expiration date.
Register Your Bicycle
- While
the beauty and rural atmosphere of the campus may make theft
seem to be non-existent, unfortunately the campus is not
completely isolated from the outside world. Every year we
have an average of approximately 4 bicycles stolen. Many
of the thefts are of bicycles that were unlocked or were
improperly locked. The suggestions below are simple steps
you can take to help prevent losing your bicycle. Always
feel free to call us at x2304 if you have any questions or
need assistance in learning how to protect your bicycle.
- Keep
your bicycle locked at all times, and use a strong lock.
Public Safety recommends a case-hardened U-type lock, which is
harder to cut or break than chain and cable locks. Use of weak
or inexpensive locks will not deter a thief; spend the extra money
now for a better lock to avoid replacing your bicycle in the future.
- Lock
your bicycle correctly. Be sure to lock the frame and
the tires to the bicycle rack, not just one or the other. Often,
a thief will take a tire from one improperly-locked bicycle and
the frame from another. The thief now has one fully-functional
bicycle, and two owners now have only parts remaining to their
bicycles. If you have any parts attached with a quick-release
mechanism, be sure to lock these to the frame and to the rack.
Check this page for suggestions.
- Lock
your bike in a well-lit area if you use outside storage
racks, and an area that can be seen well by passers by.
- Lock
bicycles securely in indoor storage rooms. Bicycles left
outdoors, even if they are locked properly, are more vulnerable
to theft.
- Register
your bicycle with Public Safety. A sticker will be issued
to anyone who registers their bicycle. This allows the bicycle
to be stored on campus during your tenure here, and also provides
easy identification of your bicycle if it is stolen.
- Engrave
your bicycle with your drivers license number. If your
bicycle is found anywhere in the United States, your drivers license
number is a recognizable identifier that a police department would
be able to use to try to get the bicycle back to you.
- If
you notice someone "hanging around" a bicycle rack,
report this to Public Safety. Call the department at
x2304 if you notice suspicious people anywhere on campus.
- Record
your bicycle's make, model and serial number and store
this information in a safe place - with the serial numbers of
other valuable items you own, for example. In case it is stolen,
you will have this information available, increasing the chance
of getting your bicycle back if it is located. See also Operation
Identification. Safely store any sales receipts, when available,
for proof of ownership, information on serial numbers, values,
etc.
BICYCLE
MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Check
your bicycle frequently for worn or damaged parts.
- Regularly
inspect and adjust the seat bolts, handlebars, brakes, reflectors,
pedals, wheels, chains, tires and spokes.
- Have
your bicycle repaired or inspected by a professional if you are
unfamiliar with bicycle maintenance.
Bicycle
Operation Safety Tips
When
operating your bicycle, be sure to wear an approved bicycle safety
helmet. Use proper lights and reflectors, and follow all bicycle
operation safety rules.
Ride
with traffic on the same side of the street. Obey all traffic signs
and signals. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and do not operate
your bicycle on sidewalks.
When
operating at dusk, dawn or dark, be sure your bicycle is equipped
with a functional white light in front and red light or reflector
in the rear. Wear reflective clothing.
Online
Resources
- National
Highway and Transportation Safety Authority's Bicycle, Inline
Skating and Pedestrian Safety Page
- Bicycle
Safety Resource Site of the Des Plaines, IL Police
LOCAL
BICYCLE DEALER, SUPPLY AND REPAIR SHOPS
These
businesses are provided as a service to our community. We are unable
to recommend specific businesses.
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