As people are becoming more ecologically conscious, many have embraced cycling as an alternative form of transportation. This lifestyle change offers many health benefits such as improved cardiovascular circulation, a decrease in total body mass, and a strengthened muscular system.

Additionally, cycling is a relatively low cost form of transportation. While a cyclist does not have to worry about the rising prices of petrol or replacing leaky radiators, they face the threat of theft.

According to 2006 statistics, approximately 440,000 cycles were stolen that year. In layman’s terms one cycle was stolen ever 71 seconds. Insurance companies believe that the 10% increase in cycle theft is a result of more individuals taking part in the government’s Cyclescheme initiative.

The cities of London, Kingston-upon-Thames, Cambridge, and Bristol are among the ten most popular cycling sports, however their popularity draws as many thieves as it does cyclists.

Of the bicycles reported stolen in 2006, 90% of these were locked in public places. This alarming figure should not discourage people from cycling but it should encourage them to invest greater care in protecting their earth-friendly transportation.

Many times when a cycle has been stolen it is a result of the owner’s failure to use a lock properly. In some instances of theft, bikes have been so poorly secured that thieves simply hop on the cycle and ride away.

Fortunately, there are various locking mechanisms available which can prevent this crime from occurring. When searching for a lock, one must research the terms of their insurance policy. In some instances theft is not covered if the cyclist had not been using a lock approved by the policy company.

One of the more secure locks available on the market is the shackle lock. This lock consists of a D/U shaped bar which fits into a separate housing mechanism. Both pieces should be made of hardened steel which is impenetrable to the ordinary saw blade. While this is one of the most sturdy and reliant locks for purchase, there are a few draw backs to this model.

The D/U bar is rather compact in length, therefore not allowing the cyclist to loop the lock around a lamppost. In some cases if the cyclist wishes to lock the wheels to the frame of the bike, an additional chain will be needed.

Investing in a quality lock is a small price to pay for the security of knowing your bike stands at less of a risk for theft.