locking your bike

We came across an article from Davis, California, generally considered one of the best biking towns in the country. Their crime prevention specialist gives an extensive run-down of how to reduce the chances of your bike being stolen. While the article is geared towards Davis, most of the info applies equally well to Ann Arbor. A Michigan Daily article highlights the results of assuming your bike is safe in quaint, little Ann Arbor.

In brief, the Davis article suggests:
-Always lock your bike (wheels and frame)
-Two locks are better than one
-Lock it to something immovable (not just to itself)
-Consider the location; well lit, busy areas are safer
-A good tip on positioning the U-lock so it is difficult for the theif to access

We'd add:
-Keep the bike out of the way of pedestrians so that it isn't knocked over accidentally or out of frustration.
-Don't lock up at a rack full of broken, scavenged bikes. Your bike will become a target by association.

Ann Arbor has a lot of bike carcasses dangling from parking meters, street signs, and bike racks. While we can't prove that this scenery attracts bike theft, it certainly isn't deterring them.