Bike Locks Busted
About this page
A Bicycle Victoria test released in Ride On, the Bicycle Victoria members magazine, reveals that many popular types of bicycle locks can be easily and quickly broken.
Thousands of bikes are reported stolen each year from public places. Thieves bust the locks and take the bikes.
'Some locks are clearly not up to it and riders need to know if a lock that looks good in the shop is going to protect their bike.' Harry Barber CEO of Bicycle Victoria said.
Bicycle Victoria tested eleven popular locks in the three categories of light cable, armoured cable and D-lock.
Both types of cable locks were broken easily and quickly. Cheaper D-locks were broken by bashing, levering and drilling.
Two of the more expensive D-locks were only broken by heavy duty power tools. The locks were tackled by a tester of 'average strength and ingenuity' using tools readily available in a hardware store. The test was observed by Senior Constable Craig McDonald a Crime Prevention Officer with Victoria Police.
'People using their bike for transport, need a decent D-lock.' Harry Barber said.'No bike lock is unbreakable, but a $100 D-lock will let you lock your bike up outside. Cheaper locks are really only good for tethering your bike while you slip into a shop.'
Prevention is always better than a cure. To reduce the risk of your bike being stolen we encourage bike riders to:
- Get a good D-lock
- Choose a visible well lit area
- Lock the frame to something solid
- Make sure your house insurance includes bikes
To receive your copy of Ride On, become a Member of Bicycle Victoria or subscribe to Ride On. For more information on locking your bike click here.
Support the people who support your bike riding. Join Bicycle Victoria.
