Safety of Your Bicycle

Bicycle theft has become a tremendous problem on college campuses, and the Oregon State University campus is no exception. Bicycles and bicycle parts, including seats and "quick release" wheels, are in big demand, and thieves are well-equipped and well-organized. Over $49,000 worth of bikes and bike parts were taken from campus in 2001 alone.

Some campus buildings allow bicycles to be stored in individual offices or designated bike storage rooms. The safest place to store a bicycle is indoors, in a locked room. However, indoor bike parking is never allowed in corridors, stairwells, exit pathways, or outside on trees, metal poles or anywhere else where it may impede emergency exit from a building.

This applies even if there is no signage specifically prohibiting bicycle parking. You may want to consider using an inexpensive and/or used bike to ride to campus to make it less attractive to thieves.

Make It Hard To Steal

It has been found that in the vast majority of bicycle thefts, bicycles were either unlocked, improperly locked, or locked with inadequate locking devices, such as lightweight cables or chains, or low-quality U-lock devices. You should always carry a secure lock whenever you plan to leave your bicycle unattended.

The "U"- shaped locks have proven to be the most effective, but like all locks or chains, they can be defeated. Use a high-end "U"- shaped lock to reduce the chances of the lock being defeated. You should also exercise care in where and how you lock your bicycle.

You should always lock your bicycle through the frame and both wheels to a bicycle parking rack, preferably a rack with a thicker frame. Lock all free parts of the bicycle as well or take them with you. If you lock only the front wheel you may return to find only the front wheel. Leave your bicycle in a visible, well-lighted area. Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight.

Thieves are often creative in their approach; if they are unable to steal the bike, they may try to take any valuable parts. If left unattended for long periods (overnight), secured bicycles may get their unsecured parts stolen. The thief will secure his/her older bike to a more expensive bike that is parked in a rack or other area. The thief will wait until later in the evening when the area is clear and the victim has grown tired of waiting and has exhausted all ideas on how to locate the owner of the other bike or remove the lock. When the victim leaves in exasperation, the thief will then take all that is unsecured, tires, pedals, lights, speedometer, etc. Missing parts can average between $300-$500 or more depending on type of bike and parts taken.

If this should happen to you: Remove all parts possible that may be subject to theft before leaving the area for the evening or an extended period of time. Notify Oregon State Police/Department of Public Safety to ascertain whether assistance is available to you. OSP/DPS canremove the lock for you if you can provide proof of purchase and/or bicycle registration in your name.

Reporting Theft

If your bicycle is stolen on campus, you should report the theft immediately to Oregon State Police at OSU. Providing the police with descriptive information, such as the serial number and license number, increases the chance of recovery.

To report the theft of a bicycle, contact Oregon State Police at 7-3010.

You can register your bicycle at the Department of Public Safety in Cascade Hall or at Bicycle Registration Events frequently scheduled in living groups. Registering discourages theft and aids in identification. In addition all major components should be engraved with a driver’s license number or state-issued identification number. The Department of Public Safety encourages bicycle owners to register their property. Attend a "Bike Safety/Registration Workshop" or come to the Dept. of Public Safety in Cascade Hall. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Name--ID Number--Email Address--Campus Phone--Home Phone
Bicycle Description Information
Brand-Model--Mt. Bike--Road Bike-- Est. Value--Serial Number
Frame Type:Men’s/ Women’s-Speeds--Wheel Size--Color
Owner Applied # Driver’s License # in the following format: OR1234567DL

Do not use Social Security numbers for engraving, as they are very difficult for the police to research and may compromise your privacy.

For information about the OSU Cycling Club, contact them at their Web Site