Student locking up bicycle

Bike Security on Campus

  • by Jeff Bruchez

Peace, Love, and Bicycles: Bike Security on Campus

By now you’ve probably settled into life as an Aggie--hung out at the MU, learned a few things about squirrels on campus, and, if you’ve been cycling, there’s a good chance you’ve been around more than one roundabout. And to our cyclists, we want to say thanks to the over 600 Aggie Cyclists who have already registered their bicycle. 

TipRegistering your bicycle not only helps support the Bicycle Program, but it helps to discourage theft on campus. Registered bicycles are easily traced back to their owners and thieves will generally pass them up for unregistered bikes, which are unlikely to be traced and reported stolen. The more bicycles that are registered, the less enticing campus is for would-be thieves.   

Unfortunately, despite all the registered bicycles, we’ve already gotten reports of a theft up-tick on campus. Thieves know that with the start of the Fall quarter, brings a lot of Aggies new to cycling, and less thoughtful about locking up their rides. We’re hoping that this encouragement to register your bike (if you’ve not done so) will help curtail this unfortunate trend of bicycle theft on campus. 

Locking Your Bike
Example: Locking your bicycle with a U-lock and cable.

EXTRA PRECAUTIONS |  The majority of bike theft occurs overnight. When it gets dark, it’s advisable to bring your bicycle indoors, which, if you live on campus, keeping a bicycle in your room is permitted by Student Housing. If you cannot bring your bicycle into your room when it is not in use, be sure to secure it on a bicycle rack with a U-lock locking the frame, use a leash/cable in addition to secure your wheels and saddle if they can be easily removed. 

Leaving a bicycle unattended overnight invites theft and tampering. If thieves aren’t able to snatch your whole bike, they will look to rip off wheels, seats, lights--anything that is not locked down. While convenient to keep your bicycle outdoors, it’s far more convenient to keep it (your bike and its parts) all together. While campus residence halls are filled with solely singles; why not use the extra space to store your bike?

NO ONE LIKES A SLOB  |  Do be aware that bicycles can be dirty. If bringing into your campus residence, take care to not leave excess dirt, grease, or lubricant under your bike (park it on a towel). Remember, bikes cannot be left in the hallway, stairwell, or anywhere where it might block an emergency access. Repairs cannot be done in residence halls, remember that The Bike Barn is available for all your repair needs. 

STAIRWELLS AND ELEVATORS  |  Of course, we have some tips for getting a bike around stairwells and elevators:

  • Use the down-tube of the frame (this is the down sloping tube on the frame) to lift your bike, lifting with your legs to avoid back injury. 
  • Rest the nose of the saddle on your shoulder. This puts the majority of the weight on your body, saving your arms. 
  • Navigate tight spaces, such as elevators, with the bicycle pivoted on its back wheel. 
    • Lock the rear brake and pull the handlebars up and towards you, once you release the rear brake the bicycle should move easily and can be moved around in tight areas.

If you haven’t registered your bicycle, and you wish to do so we’re available by appointment and generally on-demand. Call or email us to arrange an appointment or to see if we’re available, contact information: bikeprogram@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-2453.

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Bicycle Program