In my town people regularly don't lock up their bikes. They also leave their houses unlocked even when away for the weekend. But every once in a while, a handful of unsavory folks will drive in from a "big city" and spend the night breaking into cars and stealing stuff. So while I am happy to live in a small town where people feel so safe, I am an import, and I lock up my bike when going into a store. My family may be the only bike-lockers in the area.