Annie – I’ve been trying to a better job with my bike locking since my brother’s bike got stolen last year. I think I have a pretty good sense for how thieves take advantage of bad locking practices, but what I’ve been confused when I see U-locks on the racks with no bikes. I visited Seattle last month and it… Read more →
Annie Rider
Quick release skewers: Helping bike thieves for 90 years!
Dear Annie, Someone made off with my front wheel and I’m really angry. It’s not that it was a particularly nice wheel, but I did find it very helpful while riding. I don’t understand – why steal just a below average wheel? I went to craigslist to try and find my wheel, or just to buy a replacement, but there… Read more →
Bike theft stinks: from the inside and out.
Dear Annie, We have a shared bike parking and storage area in my apartment complex. We just got a note from the management company that thieves broke in and grabbed six bikes overnight! I was lucky not to be one of them, but I thought for sure cameras would keep them at bay. I fear my bike is going to… Read more →
The “bike licensing” debate: an infinite loop?
Dear Annie, I feel like registration the 529 Shield is a good idea for my bike, but in doing some research it seems that a lot of advocacy groups have actively fought against bike licensing? Some even say that adding a sticker like that gives the police additional grounds to pull you over or hassle you – like bell or… Read more →
How to avoid buying a stolen bike when shopping used.
Dear Annie, Some jerk with a hacksaw cut through my porch railing and took my new commuter bike. My renter’s insurance deductible was $1,000, so I’m out $800 and I can’t afford to replace it new. I plan to buy a used bike, but I fear that everything on craigslist is stolen. What can I do to make sure that the… Read more →
Choosing a bike lock: The careful balance of material, strength and pick defense
Dear Annie, I just moved to Austin after graduation from a small New England school where I rode my bike everywhere. It’s clear that bike theft is a big issue here and I definitely need to upgrade my lock. I’ve spent some time on Amazon and the web researching U-locks and I’m more confused than I was when I started.… Read more →