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Bike Safety Tip #3: Lock it or Lose it!
CBC Ottawa's Mics on Bikes are back on the road after a long winter in our parking garage at 181 Queen Street. The bikes are used by our radio reporters to get to stories that are within pedalling distance from the station.
The Ottawa Police have been helpful in getting our reporters up to scratch with their bike safety skills. To mark the beginning of season two of CBC Mics on Bikes, we will spend the week sharing bike safety skills with you care of the Ottawa Police Service. We plan to follow these tips - hopefully you will too!
Ottawa Police Service Bike Safety Tip #3: LOCK IT OR LOSE IT....
No matter if you're in downtown Ottawa, in the suburbs or in the country, you can become a victim of bike theft. Bike thieves wait for opportunities where a bike is left unattended for a short period of time. A cyclist can lean their bike beside the entrance door at a corner store thinking it's safe because it will be unattended for about 30 seconds. Five seconds is all a thief needs to take the bike.
Looking for locations to lock your bike? Find a place where there are lots of people or traffic. A good spot might be in front of a large window where there is natural surveillance from employees inside. Or, if the luxury permits, find a spot close to a security guard and a surveillance camera. Also note that components on your bicycle like quick release seats and wheels are vulnerable items that thieves also prey on.