iPhone app squeaks if bicycle is stolen

A new iPhone accessory allows users to attach a series of GPS trackers the size of luggage tags to key chains, bags, bicycles or any item that risks being stolen or mislaid.

The BiKN (bee’-kin) comprises an iPhone case, app, up to eight trackers and the ability to track in one of three ways. In Find mode, a visual display and sound can be used to locate the item, in Leash mode, an alarm sound on both the case and the tracker if a tagged item moves beyond a pre-determined distance from the case and in Page mode multiple tags can be made to sound an alert.

While the app can be downloaded for free from iTunes, the price of the case and tags is to be announced on the BiKN website in December.

Other GPS trackers for bikes

The SpyLamp allows a cyclist to track the location of their stolen bicycle in a more discreet way than the BiKN. The SpyLamp looks like any other LED rear light, but its unremarkable exterior is crammed with GPS technology, the workings from a pay-as-you-go mobile phone and a motion sensor to allow the bicycle owner to track the whereabouts of their bike via a website using Google Maps.

SpyLamp costs £125 plus the occasional top up for the pay-as-you-go SIM card. Its designers are about to launch an even more discreet version that can be hidden in the seat post or frame of the bicycle.

Cycle insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, covers accidental damage (including at race events), personal accident, a breakdown service for cyclists and much more.