Securing your bike

From the start, consider the following:

• Insure your bike - either through your home/tenants' insurance, or by purchasing bike-specific insurance. Please note that personal property (including bikes) is not covered by any University insurance policies
• Security marking your bike
• Take a note of your bike's serial number (usually found on the underside of your bike frame)
• Keep a copy of your purchase receipt so you have proof of ownership

When you are out and about:

• Secure your bike to an immovable object
• Lock your bike through it's frame first, and then use a second lock or chain to secure the wheels if you can
• Use a lock that is rated for at least Silver or Gold level by Soldsecure - they have a list of approved products on their website
• D-locks are best, and are much more secure than cable locks. The University  sells discounted D-Locks.
• Keep your bike in a busy/well lit area
• Secure or remove accessories - e.g lights, pumps, and saddle packs
• Change your routine; do not lock your bike in the same way or same place so thieves cannot come back prepared
• If available, park your bike in an enclosed bike store.

Storing your bike at home

The safest place to keep your bike at home is actually inside your house or flat. If that's not possible, then consider the following points:

If you store your bike in your garden:

• Lock your bike at all times
• Secure your bike to an immovable object
• Keep your bike out of public view
• Keep the bike covered with a tarpulin to protect it from the elements

If you store your bike in a common stairwell:

• Ensure your door entry system is working
• Do not admit strangers into the stairwell
• Do not leave the stair door open
• Ensure that any rear stair door is always secure
• If possible, secure your bike to an immovable object - banisters can often be easily forced.
• For fire safety reasons, you must be careful not to obstruct the stairwell and exits. A clear gap of at least 800mm is required.

If you store your bike in a shed/garage:

• Fit a good padlock to any doors
• Fit non-return screws or coach bolts on hinges
• Cover any windows and fit wire mesh inside
• Secure your bike with a good quality chain/padlock or D-lock to an immovable object
• Install an alarm.

Storing your bike on the street

Generally this is not advised, as it leaves your bike much more vulnerable to theft and damage.  City of Edinburgh Council do provide on-street lockable bike hangars in some areas of the city that are available to rent. You can find out more about this on their website.