Department of Public Safety


U-Bolt Visual Instructions

Bike Theft Prevention

Bike theft is one of the largest problems on college campuses. Thousands of dollars are lost every year in bikes and bike parts. Many of these thefts could have been prevented by following a few simple steps:

  • Always lock your bicycle, regardless of how long you will be away from it or how much it costs.
  • Only lock your bike to approved racks, not trees or sign posts.
  • Try to use a rack that is in a well-lit or well-traveled area.
  • When possible, keep your bike in your room.
  • Use a hardened steel U-type lock – also consider using anti-pry devices.
  • Register your bike with your University Bike Program.
  • Consider buying a cheap bike and using an expensive lock.
  • Always ensure that your bicycle is locked properly and completely.

Many bike thefts occur because the bike was not locked at all or was locked improperly. The following pictures demonstrate the safest way to secure your bicycle, and will also show the most common mistakes made in locking up a bike.

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The lock should secure the bike
frame and bike tires to the rack.
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Especially if you have quick-release
tires, remove front tire and lock it to
the back tire and frame.

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Lock bike seat to bike frame.
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When locking the bike over a rack,
ensure that the U-lock is secured
around the bar of the rack.
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WRONG: This bike is only locked to
itself, and not to the bike rack! If
the front wheel is released, the bike
can be removed from the rack.