Commuting and Parking

Bike Security

How to lock your bike

How to lock your bike

You can dramatically increase the security of your bike by following these simple steps:

  • Find a solid, sturdy object in a high-visibility area. Avoid street signs that can be lifted out of the ground, or skimpy trees that could be cut.
  • Lock your bike with others. If your bike is the most secured one in the group, thieves will most likely overlook it.
  • Use a U-lock or heavy-gauge chain and a secondary lock, like a cable. Never use a cable lock on its own as it can be easily cut.
  • If your wheels are quick release, remove the front wheel and put it beside the rear wheel and frame.
  • Ensure you’ve actually locked the frame and not just the wheel!
  • Secure quick-release wheels with your lock or an added cable
  • Bigger locks aren’t better. Minimize the amount of space in the lock that’s not “filled” with bike to reduce the risk of prying the lock open.
  • Remove all detachable accessories including lights, bags, etc.
  • Point your lock keyhole down – it makes it harder to smash or pick.
  • If your seat is quick-release, loop a cable or chain through it, or take it with you.
  • Take your bike lights or bike bags with you too.

Registering your bike with the City of Winnipeg

An estimated 3,000 bikes are reported stolen every year in Winnipeg. While more than 1,000 of those bikes are recovered by the City annually, only 10% of them are returned to their rightful owners.

If you ever encounter the unfortunate incident of having your bike stolen, you can dramatically increase your chances of it being returned by registering your bike with the City of Winnipeg.

Bike Theft on Campus

RRC Polytech Security Services keeps track of reported bike thefts on campus.

  • 93% of bikes stolen on campus weren’t locked with a U-Lock.
  • Roblin and PGI students and staff should consider parking their bikes in the card-accessed Bike Room at PGI.
  • Folks at the Notre Dame Campus should consider using a bike locker.

Thefts by Lock Type

If your bike is stolen on campus:

  • Report your stolen bike to Security Services at your campus.
  • Report your stolen bike to the Winnipeg Police. Remember, the chances of getting your stolen bike recovered increase if you know your bike serial number and have registered your bike.
  • Consider taking to social media.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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