Bicycle Safety & Registration

What can you do to keep your bicycle safe?

• Use a U-lock and a cable, rather than just a flimsy cable combination lock. Cable locks can be easily cut by small, concealable tools.
• Avoid U-locks that use a cylinder key, as these can be easily picked with inconspicuous tools.
• When locking, position your U-lock so that it secures the front wheel, the frame of your bike, and the object that you are locking to. Use your cable to loop through your rear wheel, and secure both ends to the U-lock.
• Please use approved bike racks whenever possible. Locking your bike to trees, handrails, signs and other furniture not designed for bicycle-locking creates safety barriers for other members of the community, especially those who rely on handrails for access, and can damage the object. It’s inconsiderate, and it breeds ill-will towards the greater bicycle community. Locking to an official bike rack may actually decrease the potential for theft.
• Keep you lock away from the ground. Thieves can use a hammer to smash the lock on the ground, causing them to break open.

Register your bicycle with Public Safety!

• Bicycle Registration Form
  • It is important to register your bike in order to protect it. If your bike happens to get stolen, your bike will be in a database that can help Public Safety and local police to recover it. 
  • To register your bike in a public database, you will need to input your serial number. Serial numbers can be found in several spots on your bike, such as:
    • Underneath the bottom bracket, where the two pedal cranks join 
    • The headset
    • The rear stays
    • The seat downtube (next to the crank)
    • The top of the crank

Winter Biking Tips:

Remember that winter bicycling can be challenging! Please practice winter bicycling in a controlled environment before attempting to commute by bike. Be visible. Wear bright clothing and reflective lights or material.

• Be predictable. Ride in a manner consistent with traffic laws, and obey signals, and when possible use designated bicycle lanes or paths.
• Be defensive. Go slow. Always look for oncoming traffic, and make sure motorists see you.
• Be aware. Keep the volume on any portable devices low enough to hear traffic.
• Be prepared. Wear proper clothing for the elements. Recommendations include:
  • Warm, waterproof, windproof outer layers.
  • Warm, waterproof mittens/gloves that do not compromise your ability to brake or change gears.
  • Warm but thin head covering that fits under your helmet and protects your ears.
  • Warm, waterproof layer for protecting your face.
• Be equipped. Winter biking equipment is extremely helpful. A few recommendations include:
  • Proper bike lights for biking in the dark
  • Fenders
  • Studded tires