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Old 05-15-11 | 11:32 AM
  #55  
MartinOne
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
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From: NYC

Bikes: Birdy, Brompton

Originally Posted by folder fanatic
But not East Los Angeles (California State University, Los Angeles) or Hollywood/Central City (Los Angeles City College/Trade-Technical College). [/B]
Yes, to CSULA (then called LA State) + East LA CC. But this isn't about our childhoods or who has the most "my-neighborhood-is-more-bad" cred.

As a recent convert to Folderism, and already a member of the choir, I wanted to remind the OP that although fanatics are often correct, their standards might be a bit high for mere mortals who have to factor in everyday risks and benefits.

So I have no quarrel about 1 and 2 of the following advice, but I'd add the other steps with the caveat that everyone will have different metrics for assessing tolerable risks, the environment, and their capacity to tolerate loss.

1, Keep the bike "in touch."
2. Keep the bike "in sight."
3. Lock the bike if in sight but at a distance.
4. Lock the bike if out of sight, even for a short time.
5. Lock the bike if out of sight for a longer time. Here, my research indicates that some popular locks and chains take about 4 minutes to break through, and that is only with a loud, spark-throwing grinder. These chains/locks come with insurance coverage (for the bike) if the chain fails. I limit my lock and chain use to locations with lots of people around- - -where the theft would be so conspicuous that most thieves would prefer to look for an easier, quicker target. (IMO, most college campuses qualify here.) All bets are off if locking in a dark alley overnight.
6. Leave the bike at home. This is clearly the worst choice.)
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