Removable pedals as security?
 

The "pedal" lock got me thinking. What if someone removed their pedals from their bike every time they locked it up. Would it still get stolen? By removing the pedals you remove the thief's main (quick) escape route.

The rest of the parts on the bike could be stolen, sure, but the bike itself? I'm not so sure.

However you'd need to remove the pedal completely. I saw some quick release pedals but they still left a nub that you could pedal with. The crank arms would have to be completely flat on the outside.

Good idea? Bad idea? Thoughts? Experiences?

Over the winter months I plan on storing my bikes sans chains in the garage just in case.

Don't some thieves drive up in a van, bash the lock, and then simply toss the bike (pedals or no pedals) into the van?

part of a folding bike you dont leave on the street at all ? then its a benefit.



me.. frane mounted Ring lock goes thru rear wheel .. it uses a Key in to ride, pull when you lock . scheme . [Non folding bike]

I have a 1.4M long chain to secure my bike front wheel + the bike to the rack , it has a pin that is fitted into the ring lock .

so removing the key locks it up, & 0nto something.

By "some", don't you mean "most"?

Considering thieves steal bikes with no wheels or one wheel still attached, I'd say yes it would still get stolen.

Ah, didn't know this. I thought most bikes were stolen by the thief simply riding it away once they had cut the locks.

I doubt removing stuff would deter thieves. In most surveillance videos I've watched the thieves are stealing bikes to resell or strip for parts. They'll just walk the bike away if the pedals or saddle are missing. If they're brazen enough to steal a bike in the city surrounded by passing pedestrians and cars, they won't be deterred by the lack of pedals if they spot a bike with usable parts.

I've seen one or two surveillance videos of bike thieves in which the thugs went to a lot of trouble to steal a bike, then rode it around for a few minutes and dumped it on the street or sidewalk. These looked more like dare thefts, just a bunch of thugs stealing and vandalizing stuff for the same reason cats and dogs mark their territory by pissing on everything.

I remove and lock the saddle on my bike because it has a silly and superfluous quick release clamp. It might deter a thief for a few moments. But if I'm worried enough I'll lock the bike where I can see it from the restaurant or store.

If you want to try it, search for "rinko" pedals -- the goal there is a quick tool-less (I think) removal for travelling. :thumb:

There are amateur thieves...AKA kids wanting a bike they happen along upon-which is what you're thinking of. A good u-lock and chain lock properly used will get these guys to go after easier prey

Then there are pros. The kind that when a police bust happens have 500+ stolen bikes in their anonymous looking shed. These are the guys that will get your bike if it is ever unattended no matter what you do.

There seems to be 2 types of thieves. Those who ride away, and those who drive away.

There have been forum threads about people who lock their brakes, or intentionally drop the chain before heading into a store for a few seconds. I have thought a bit that removing a single pedal might also be a good alternative, at least preventing the opportunistic hop on and ride off thieves.

And if you saw them walking across the parking lot with your bike, you might be able to outrun them.