Scared to cycle

I'm not scared of the road, what I'm afraid of is getting a decent bicycle only for it to be stolen, or a part of it stolen. In a city like Vancouver where the transit infrastructure is sub-par and overpriced, cycling feels like a great option. That is, until I remember all the times I've heard people getting their bikes stolen or damaged. It would be lovely to have more secure bike lockers around the city.

11 Comments

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Bike hackers

Feb 20, 2020 at 4:27pm

Its a racket..
Chop shop for bikes.
I see parts of leftover bikes chained up all over the city.
Skeleton Bikes
They chop shop them right out in the open.
Errrrrie..

9 5Rating: +4

Yes

Feb 20, 2020 at 6:42pm

I’ve had two bikes stolen. Parts stolen off my bike. Water bottles stolen from the bottle cages. People help themselves to the lights on my bike. It effing sucks. There are some places where bikes can be left unlocked (Qualicum beach near Nanaimo) but I just don’t bike and lock up my bike anymore. It’s pretty much only safe in my office. That being said, if you buy a bike, even a cheap $50 one will get stolen even if locked (happened to my friend). I used to go bar hopping and would bring my wheels Into the bars. They thought I was strange, but I always had a way to get home after putting my bike back together.

8 5Rating: +3

So Many Terminal City Scumbags

Feb 20, 2020 at 7:18pm

Find something cheap and simple like a faux fixie. You will want a few gears and brakes. Several companies made them in an effort to capitalize on the fixie craze a few years ago.

8 4Rating: +4

Sub-par Transit?

Feb 20, 2020 at 8:55pm

Unless you're comparing to Tokyo or Hong Kong, you haven't been many places with "sub-par" transit. Vancouver is actually quite good!

12 6Rating: +6

I've...

Feb 21, 2020 at 3:31am

... lived in the city my whoel life, only ever had a saddle and seat post stolen. You have a bike you lock up, and then if you go on longer rides, you ahve a better bike. I mean, nobody has just one bike...

7 5Rating: +2

John88

Feb 21, 2020 at 7:28am

been riding in Van for 10 years, from another city where crime is higher, so just habitually cautious has meant so far, ive been lucky . Dont make it easy , leaving lights on the bike it asking for it, get a decent lock , think about visibility when locking up, dark areas where people hang out esp dt eastside , danger area. you dont necessarily have to get a beater just to avoid theft, mine is pretty decent , most important is to be careful, and have fun .. get a Bike! good luck

8 9Rating: -1

Do what I do

Feb 21, 2020 at 11:00am

Drive like a nut. Everyone gets out of yer way. I mean wouldn't you? Fucken nut comes your way...

3 6Rating: -3

Like others have advised...

Feb 21, 2020 at 4:24pm

... get a 2nd hand bike, no fancy components. Exchange all quick release mechanisms for nuts/bolts, or take the parts with you. Check out locking wheel skewers, not very expensive. Buy the the beefiest lock you can carry; it will persuade thieves to steal less well-protected bikes. Park in high traffic/vis areas. Register it with 529 Garage. Lastly, don't fall in love with it, fall in love with cycling and you can always get another.

9 6Rating: +3

Response to another Tourist rant

Feb 22, 2020 at 6:02pm

I mean confession. As previously mentioned, if you have a nice bike that you love, then don’t leave it out of sight. Yes, like every major city there are high theft areas and those I’d avoid, if you need to lock up the love of your life, then I’d recommend ULock & Bordo locks for your wheels. If you just need a commuter bike, get a PoS bike from Sports Junkies or off Craigslist and remember to take your lights off or they’ll walk away too. And remember, a cable lock isn’t a lock, they can be easily cut whereas a cheap U Lock will do you fine every time. As a lock just buys you time and piece of mind. For now, I suggest you move, as nobody likes a whiner.

5 4Rating: +1

Transit Infrastructure

Feb 23, 2020 at 8:08am

Would have been even better if the City had first built dedicated bus lanes instead of putting in bike lanes first (but it's still the best public transit on the West Coast of the continent).

4 5Rating: -1

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