Avoiding bike theft: our 7 practical tips

More and more of you are getting on your two-wheeler in the morning. Fast, easy, and good for your morale, cycling is popular . And with the spectacular arrival of electric bikes and cargo bikes on the market, this trend is getting even stronger (we're not displeased! 😉). But more bikes on the road also means more potential thefts . Especially in cities, thieves are on the lookout, and some are ready to do anything to steal your trusty steed. So, how can you prevent your bike from being stolen? From choosing anti-theft accessories to taking precautions: we'll give you seven tips in this article!

1 - Have one or two locks to prevent your bike from being stolen

Frame lock that protects the Formidable, our cargo and longtail bike

You probably know the first instinct. It's about securing your bike securely when you park it outside or in a public place (such as a bike garage). To do this, choose a fixed attachment point that's firmly anchored to the ground and use one or more locks . There are all kinds at all prices:

• The spiral cable with a key or code: this is the least secure of all, as it is not very durable. It is strongly discouraged for expensive bikes such as cargo bikes or electric bikes. However, it can be used in addition to another, more robust model.
• The U-lock: This is the strongest model on the market and will be recommended to you very often. Bolt cutters are not suitable for this type of lock, and it will take a thief more than a minute to cut through the lock with a grinder.
• The bicycle chain: it has the advantage of being more flexible than the U-lock while remaining very resistant.
• The folding lock: once folded, it takes up little space and attaches easily to any type of support. However, it is less robust than a U-lock or a chain (it only takes 45 seconds to cut it with a grinder).
• The frame lock: it is used to lock the rear wheel of your bike and complements a frame lock (U-shaped, chain, spiral or folding).

💡 Good to know: When purchasing your lock, choose a model approved by the FUB (French Federation of Bicycle Users). Every year, the FUB's Anti-Theft Commission classifies approved locks into two different approval levels: "1 wheel" or "2 wheels." Most of the time, insurers require you to have a lock approved for "2 wheels" (highest resistance level).

Alongside the models most commonly used by cyclists, manufacturers are innovating. For example, we're seeing the emergence of connected locks that unlock using your smartphone's Bluetooth. Some U-locks even have an alarm that goes off when a break-in attempt occurs . This will further deter criminals!

2 - Install a bicycle theft alarm

If your bike lock doesn't already have an alarm, you can install one to further secure your bike . Usually in the form of a small box that attaches to the frame or seat post, a powerful alarm is triggered in the event of an attempted break-in.

3 - Protect your bike with a GPS tracker

To prevent possible theft, you can install a GPS tracker. Depending on the model, it can be hidden on your bike or concealed in one of your reflectors.

If you notice your connected bike has been stolen, all you have to do is geolocate it on the mobile application that you have previously installed!

💡 Good to know: some manufacturers offer connected bikes equipped with GPS trackers as standard. This is the case with the Formidable, our cargo and longtail bike . It is equipped with a GPS chip and an alarm that can be activated remotely via our Galian app. Thieves had better watch out! 😏

4 - Remember to secure the removable parts of your bike

Have you ever come across bicycles on the street without wheels or a seat? We don't think about it as much, but these spare parts are just as vulnerable. And what about clip-on accessories like bike lights!

To prevent the theft of removable parts of your bike (or at least make things more difficult for criminals), we advise you to take them with you or secure them.

A bicycle's wheels and seat are often attached to the frame with quick-release fasteners. They are then very easy to remove. To deter thieves, replace these fasteners with nuts or anti-theft systems that are more difficult to remove.

5 - Park your bike in a secure place

To prevent your bike from being stolen , always park it in a busy area where passersby can see it. If you have to leave your bike outside at night, park it in front of a bank or other establishment with a video surveillance camera if possible. Having a camera is a strong deterrent to thieves!

The best option is still to park your bike in your apartment, your personal garage, or in the building's storage area. In any case, always make sure to lock it, even indoors!

💡 Also read: Night cycling : what you need to know before you start!

6 - Have your bike engraved if it hasn't already been done

To prevent theft, all new or used bicycles sold by a professional are now subject to mandatory marking . In concrete terms, the two-wheeler you buy in store will be engraved with a unique identification number referring to your contact details.

For your information, there are currently six operators approved by the State to carry out this identification:

• Bicycle code;
• Paravol;
• Recobike;
• Auvray Security;
• MFC (French Bicycle Manufacturer);
• Decathlon.

If you have an unmarked bike and want to identify it, simply visit a marking service provider near you!

7 - Take out a bicycle insurance contract

Do you own a cargo bike, an e-bike, or an expensive bicycle? In this case, taking out bicycle insurance can be useful! With this insurance, if your bike is stolen, you can benefit from a full or partial reimbursement for your two-wheeler and its accessories.

One small exception: if you park your bike in your house, apartment, or personal garage, bike insurance is not required. In fact, if you already have home insurance, the theft of any item inside your home is covered.

Stolen bike: what to do?

Despite your precautions, your beloved bike has been stolen? Don't panic, all is not lost yet. If your bike has a GPS tracker, check your mobile app immediately to geolocate your bike.

At the same time, file a complaint at the police station, bringing with you:

• proof of purchase of your bike (if you have one);
• of the marking number;
• photos of your bike.

Also contact your insurer if you have a contract. They will tell you how to get compensation.

Finally, keep an eye on classified ad sites like Facebook Marketplace or Leboncoin. Stolen bikes are often quickly put up for sale online. Rather than contacting the seller directly, alert the police first!

Bonus: what about cargo bike theft?

In cities and suburbs, it's no longer uncommon to come across cargo bikes. These XXL bikes, designed for transporting passengers and heavy loads, appeal to families and professionals alike.

Have you been eyeing this type of bike, but are you afraid of it being stolen? Considering the investment a cargo bike represents, we completely understand!

Here's a point that might reassure you. According to a study initiated by the FUB (French Federation of Bicycle Users) released in 2023, cargo bike thefts are less frequent than those of traditional bikes .

In fact, they only represent 1.5% of reported incidents, while they represent 4% of the total number of bicycles in circulation in France. So, why are thieves more reluctant to steal this type of bike? There are several reasons:

• Cargo bikes are less attractive to thieves due to their weight and specificity.
• They are more difficult to resell.
• Due to the value of a cargo bike, owners are paying more attention to the security of their bike (particularly by purchasing high-performance locks and alarms).

Despite this good news, cargo bike theft does exist. So stay safe and lock your bike securely! Taking out insurance and marking your bike are also strongly recommended. 😉

You're now aware: preventing your bike or cargo bike from being stolen means, above all, keeping it as secure as possible. By deterring thieves with durable anti-theft accessories, you drastically reduce the chances of your two-wheeler being stolen! You'll also have much more peace of mind when you leave it behind!