Why Folding Bikes Work So Well-Case In Point
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/05/muni_diaries_bike_theft.php
http://www.munidiaries.com/2011/05/03/bikes-stolen-off-muni/ I came to the world of folding bikes first and foremost of all was the problem of rampant bike theft. I was victimized over the years of regular bike ownership and I needed to solve the problem-at least for me. Locks failed, "watching" failed, not owning a bike failed....you might get the idea where this is leading. Once your hands-or bottom-leaves the bike, it is up for grabs as these articles seem to indicate-even around large groups of people. These losers are not bother sneaking around anymore probably making them even more dangerous. Solutions are so easy to come by. Read and ponder for yourselves. I will discuss my solutions a bit later-spurred on by living right down the street from "professional" bike thieves. |
Originally Posted by folder fanatic
(Post 13406442)
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/05/muni_diaries_bike_theft.php
http://www.munidiaries.com/2011/05/03/bikes-stolen-off-muni/ I came to the world of folding bikes first and foremost of all was the problem of rampant bike theft. I was victimized over the years of regular bike ownership and I needed to solve the problem-at least for me. Locks failed, "watching" failed, not owning a bike failed....you might get the idea where this is leading. Once your hands-or bottom-leaves the bike, it is up for grabs as these articles seem to indicate-even around large groups of people. These losers are not bother sneaking around anymore probably making them even more dangerous. Solutions are so easy to come by. Read and ponder for yourselves. I will discuss my solutions a bit later-spurred on by living right down the street from "professional" bike thieves. |
One day, folders will rule the streets of all major cycling cities.
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Originally Posted by vmaniqui
(Post 13406515)
it's in san francisco - my city. now i know why i bought and using a folding bike. can't they put a lock when putting their bike on a bus bike rack ?
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Originally Posted by vmaniqui
(Post 13406515)
it's in san francisco - my city. now i know why i bought and using a folding bike. can't they put a lock when putting their bike on a bus bike rack ?
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Originally Posted by ro-monster
(Post 13410766)
Muni doesn't allow you to lock your bike to the racks. You can see that rule on their website. And, until May of this year, folding bikes were not allowed inside the buses. Most of the time, just riding to your destination is faster than taking the bus anyhow!
Originally Posted by CrimsonEclipse
(Post 13409595)
I've seen people secure bikes on the hanging racks on the Tri-MAX trains using a cable.
Just to be safe. A Brompton is in my future. |
i didn't know about the no locks on the front rack on muni. i never saw anything info like that for ac transit. when i rode the bus i'd put my bike in the lowest gear and then i'd use like a velcro strip or a nylon buckle strap and then put in on the bike and rack in a not too obvious spot. so at least if someone ran u and tried to grab it, they'd need to hassle with it for a little bit and then they'd be in low gear if they tried to ride away. hopefully one of these things would help me catch them if needed. sitting in front is a good idea but depending on the bus line and time of day it can be pretty packed and tough, even if you are pushing to get out quick.
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Originally Posted by CSG
(Post 13407741)
One day, folders will rule the streets of all major cycling cities.
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I've seen the no locking to bus rack rule in other cities as well. Locking the bike to itself could at least slow a thief down without incurring the wrath of the bus driver.
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Originally Posted by Amuro Lee
(Post 13421425)
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After I had a bike stolen, I decided I was going to get a folding bike that I could take on transit, inside, at home and at work, etc. I took me a while to decide, but I would up getting a Montague folding bike, because I didn't want to compromise on ride quality at all. I have a fairly long commute, and the small wheels just weren't going to do it for me. It's been a great decision - if only I'd done it sooner, I wouldn't have been out my last bike.
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The area I'm in doesn't seem bad at all but your never know. I carry a bike lock and use it to lock the bike to the trash can outside of coffee shops while I keep an eye on it. The problem is the paranoia. I got a Wally World special bike stolen when I was a little kid. That never goes away. I'm always peeking outside making sure it's still there. Going to the bathrooms has to be quick. Some places like the bank or the local pub I'll actually bring it in and put it aside somewhere. I figure worst case scenario, they at least have cameras. Plus taking off with a folded folder....it's gotta be a planned attempt.
I put my new saddle on today and was nervous someone would just take the whole seatpost with the quick release and all and just happened to forget the key to my lock at the house as well....not wanting to take any chances at the local Starbucks....:innocent: http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8684/starbucksbike.jpg That's the beauty of folders. Not intimidating at all as long as I fold it outside then bring it in. I just have to make sure the place isn't packed with people. I've even coat checked it once at a banquet hall before. No one ever says a thing to me besides, "that's wicked man".... Yay Us! :D |
Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.
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Originally Posted by matchpoints
(Post 13453122)
That's the beauty of folders. Not intimidating at all as long as I fold it outside then bring it in. I just have to make sure the place isn't packed with people. I've even coat checked it once at a banquet hall before. No one ever says a thing to me besides, "that's wicked man".... Yay Us! :D |
Originally Posted by bjorke
(Post 13453728)
Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.
Sorry for your loss of your bike lights. I hope you were not put into danger riding in the dark because of this. |
I didn't even think about this until yesterday. It was raining and I had to lock my bike outside under a coffee table umbrella. In the winter those umbrellas will be gone. What do you guys do in the winter? I can't really bring a wet bike in full of snow....can I? Maybe bring a rag with me and rest it on top of it? Thoughts?
Also from what I read, it's best not to have the bike go from warm weather to cold back to warm, etc... especially here where they salt the bejesus out of the roads. I could leave it outside and hope bike thieves take winters off :) |
Originally Posted by bjorke
(Post 13453728)
Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.
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yup. And yes I had a slow spooky ride home :/ Lights replaced now...
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