Many are choosing to take advantage of the government’s Cyclescheme program, biking to work rather than drive. Not only does this program benefit the environment, it acts as a cost saving measure for both employer and employee in participating companies.

The downside to the Cyclescheme program is found in the rising cases of cycle theft. As of 2006, bicycle thefts had risen 10%. During that year every 71 seconds a cycle was stolen approximating over 440,000 thefts. Rather than be discouraged by the data and pass up the opportunity to do good for the environment and the pocketbook, be proactive.

A thief is looking for an easy target, so by putting as many deterrents in the way, you are working to negate his success rate.

There are some basic ways a cyclist can deter or prevent theft of his bike.

• Registration – This is considered a form of passive deterrence. Registering a cycle with the manufacturing company or a national registry insures that in the event a stolen bike is recovered the owner can be contacted.
• Marking – Utilizing a security marking system approved by the Association of Chief Police Officers is another form of passive deterrence. By installing security markings on critical, visible parts of the cycle frame, it alerts any would-be thief that the bike is capable of being easily recovered as it is on record books.
• Locks – Locking is an active form of deterrence. If one is serious about keeping their cycle from thieves, investing in a lock plays the most crucial role. It is pointless to spend large quantities of money on the purchase of a bike, if one only plans to spend a negligible amount on a locking mechanism.

When locking up a cycle, there are several factors to keep in mind that will increase the safety factor. Parking a cycle in a well-trafficked, well-lit area (if nighttime) does not allow a thief to be away from the public eye.

Locks should be wound tightly around the cycle and its anchoring post, making it difficult to move if the bike is tugged on. If possible, the locking mechanism should be in a downward facing position.

This discourages lock picking. Keep the lock off of the ground, so as not to provide a firm surface for the blow of a sledgehammer to occur. If possible, remove parts of the cycle (i.e. the saddle, the light) if it is to be parked in one area for a long period of time.

Although these steps are not 100% foolproof in preventing theft, any form of active resistance is better than none at all.

And of course, don’t forget to get bicycle insurance in case you can’t prevent your bike from being stolen.