It seems that we\’re thick as thieves with our bicycles, doesn\’t it? Especially when you enjoy putting in those miles, and lots of them.

That\’s fine, but we don\’t want out precious \”rides\” getting thick as thieves with bicycle stealers. How do we guard against such illicit relationships?

If possible, keep your bicycles indoors when you\’re at home. If that isn\’t possible, what else is there to do?

Good locks, to begin with. In fact, two locks are better than one. Not only that, but more than a single type of lock. A bicycle thief might have the tools to defeat one kind of lock, but not another.

There are U-locks. There are cable locks. Some, such as this Kryptonite Cable Lock, use a key. The Master Lock Cable Lock uses a number combination. So somebody tell me: which is worse; forgetting the key, or forgetting that combination?

If you can\’t keep your bicycle inside of your home, can you lock it to a sturdy fence post? Is there good lighting? It seems to me that a thief would prefer to work in the dark. To protect your bike from the weather, try a bicycle cover.

When you go somewhere by bicycle, do your best to lock up your ride in an area where there will be a lot of people around. Potential witnesses might deter a potential thief. Also, be sure to secure your bicycle to something solid. If no bicycle rack is available, try the post of a streetlight, for instance.

I can\’t say for sure which type of lock is \”best\”. According to various sources, it depends on the rate of bicycle theft in your area; how valuable your bicycle is; and so on.

Here\’s an idea. If you want to know which kind of bicycle lock is just right — ask Goldilocks!