Protect your bike from theft

Article from Volume 11, Issue Number 2, 2024

By Duane Rohne | Other articles by Duane Rohne | Feature

Register your ride and buy a good lock

Bicycle theft has plagued urban environments for years, and many bike owners have experienced the frustration of having their ride stolen — me included.

As a member of CCI Manitoba, you have access to valuable articles produced by 16 other CCI chapters. One such article, written by Mike Fenton, delves into the issue of condominium bicycle theft. It was published in the winter 2023 edition of the CCI Toronto and Area Chapter’s magazine: “Condominium Bicycle Theft Protection”

Why register your bicycle?

After reading Mike’s insightful piece, I encourage you to register your bicycle. As of May 2024, the City of Winnipeg no longer manages a bike registry. We recommend you consider using the free service offered by 529 Garage. The service is accessible by hundreds of law enforcement agencies world wide and most importantly, it's free and it works! Check out their website and app.

Invest in a good lock

While the price of a good lock might give you pause, it’s a worthwhile investment. Consider the Granit Extreme 59 — a top-of-the-line lock priced at $399. If that’s beyond your budget, more affordable models are available for around $55. For detailed insights, check out this helpful article that rates various bike locks.

My personal experience

I followed my own advice and registered my bicycle as soon as I bought it. A few months after it was stolen, the Winnipeg Police contacted me — they had recovered my bike! Thanks to registration, I had it back within 24 hours.

Remember, no lock can deter a determined thief indefinitely, but a good one can make them think twice. Whether you opt for the Granit Extreme 59 or another reliable lock, take steps to protect your two-wheeled companion.

Happy cycling!

Duane Rohne is a director of CCI Manitoba and is the chair of our Communication Committee.