How to lock your bike
Are you locking your bicycle correctly when leaving it unattended in a public place? Follow our handy guide on how to lock your bike to ensure you meet our policy requirements.
DO: Lock your bike, through the frame, to an immovable object
Make sure your Sold Secure approved lock passes through the frame of the bicycle and an immovable object. This locking method is a policy requirement; if you fail to lock your bike in this manner and it is stolen, we cannot guarantee your claim will be accepted.
What is an ‘immovable object’?
The definition of an immovable object is pretty self-explanatory. Our policy document defines it as ‘any solid object fixed in or on to concrete or stone, which is not capable of being undone, removed with, or lifted over/under the bicycle’. A properly fixed vehicle roof rack or bicycle rack is also classed as an immovable object. The key is to use your common sense. We review claims on a case-by-case basis.
DON’T: ‘Lock’ your bike in a way that makes it easy to steal
The example above may seem extreme, but we receive numerous claims each year where a bicycle was locked to a post where it could easily be lifted off by thieves. We’ve even had claims where bikes were stolen having been ‘locked’ to ladders or lawnmowers. Needless to say these claims cannot be accepted. Don’t make yourself a target.
DON’T: Lock your bicycle through the front wheel
We cannot stress enough how important it is to lock your bike through the frame. If you lock yours through only the front wheel, as illustrated above, you are making it easy for a thief to detach the wheel and swan off into the sunset with the remainder of your bicycle. We cannot approve claims where the bicycle was not secured through its frame.
DON’T: Use a security cable as your primary bike lock
The security cables that are sometimes included with a Sold Secure lock are NOT designed to be used as your primary lock and have not been approved as such.
NOTE: If you are using a cable lock as your primary lock, please ensure it is Sold Secure approved (very few are). If in doubt, you can contact Sold Secure directly on 01327 264 687