How to lock up your bike

Keeping your bike safe is pretty easy if you follow some simple steps.

Invest in a good D or chain lock. Speak to your local bike shop about which one is best, but you should look to pay somewhere between $70-$150 for a good quality lock.

If there’s no designated bike park around make sure your bike can’t be lifted up and over whatever you’re securing it to.

Prevent bike theft

• Make sure the frame is securely locked to the bike park with a good quality D-lock or heavy duty chain lock. Just locking the wheels is not good enough.
• Use a lighter cable lock to secure the front wheel to your frame.
• Take all attachments such as lights, GPS and cameras off the bike when leaving locked up.
• Try to choose a high-traffic area to discourage potential thieves.
• Lock your bike no matter how soon you will return to it (eg. popping in to the dairy)

Register your bike

Register your bike on 529 Garage, a community powered bike registry that will hold all your bike details and can assist you and Police in recovering your bike, should it get stolen.

 https://www.cyclewellington.org.nz/529_garage_bike_security

Be considerate

Please consider other users of the area when parking your bike: 

• Keep pathways and thoroughfares clear – pedestrians, wheelchairs and mobility scooters may need to get past your bike. 
• Don’t block services for other users by locking bikes to water fountains, parking ticket machines, bus stops, etc.
• Parking options are plentiful – if you are unsure, move your bike to somewhere where access is better.

Lock in a deal

Many bike shops we spoke with are happy to provide a sizable discount on good quality locks to support you in upgrading your bike security. Here is a google map of bike shops in Wellington.

Not sure which lock to buy? Here's some guidance.