One way to secure your bike is to lock it against a bike rack. But what if there is no rack around you? Well, here’s what to do if there’s no bike rack:
Find a very solid bicycle rack-like object around you and lock the bicycle there. Such objects include fences, bolted benches, street signs and taller trees.
So you not only need a rack-like object, but also a reliable bicycle lock.
But what if you don’t have a bicycle lock?
I will share some smart tips for such case. But first, let’s talk about how to do this with a bicycle lock.
What to do if there is no bike rack?
In general, if you don’t have access to a bike rack, you can do the following:
‘Lock the bicycle against an extremely strong rack-like object.’
You need to find an immovable, preferably larger object around you to lock your bike. Such an object can be one of the following:
- Sturdy fence
- Solid road sign
- Bench screwed down
- Higher tree
- Strong light pole
Remember that thieves want a bike that they can easily steal. What they don’t have is time, and that’s why they hate conquests that take a lot of time.
So try to make it as difficult as possible for them, and you will outsmart them.
In general, here are the steps for locking an unracked bike:
Step 1- Buy a quality bike lock
The safety of your bike is more important than anything else, and one way to ensure it is to lock it with a quality bike lock.
The lock should not be easy to manipulate or cut. It should also be weather resistant and portable.
An example of such a bicycle lock is the FOLDYLOCK Compact folding bicycle lock (Link to Amazon). This patented, foldable bike lock comes in a robust yet lightweight anti-theft construction to secure your bike anywhere. The hardened steel housing is difficult to cut, even with saw and milling drills.
It is also weatherproof and has a multi-lock system that deters thieves.
Step 2 – Identify a solid bike rack-like object around you
If you have the most reliable bike lock with you, the next thing to do is find a place to lock the bike, preferably in a public place.
Remember that the object should be difficult to move and preferably larger.
As a summary, you can choose any of these objects:
- road signs
- Screwed down street benches
- fences
- light poles
- trees
Step 3 – Secure the bike to the object
Now that you know the best way to lock a bike without a rack, you can lock it.
You can lock the wheels against the fixed object and if your bike lock allows it, lock the frame.
Remember, your goal is to give potential thieves a hard time.
However, it is essential that you do not break any traffic rules or interfere with people’s business when you lock your bike in the city.
General tips to lock your bike on the street
When you lock your bike outside, remember these tips:
1. The more bike locks, the better
Instead of simply securing your bicycle with one bicycle lock, you can use several. That makes it difficult even for professional thieves as they don’t have enough time to unlock or cut them.
You can use one lock to immobilize the front wheel and another lock to secure the frame or rear wheel to a firm surface.
2. Secure it in three points of contact
It is strongly recommended that you secure your bike to the frame and the front wheel and either the rear wheel or another part of the frame. This is also important when learning to transport bicycles without a carrier.
If you have a U-lock with a cable like the Kryptonite Evolution 11-14mm U-lock(Link to Amazon) then you don’t have to buy three bicycle locks.
The U-lock allows you to route the heavy-duty cable over the wheels and frame to keep the bike firmly in place.
The good thing about this lock is that it can withstand cutting with hand tools. Mind you, it comes with a theft refund offer of up to $2,500, which just proves its reliability.
3. Avoid temporary rack-like objects
Avoid moving objects as they do not guarantee the safety of your bicycle, even if you lock it. In particular, avoid temporary posts and street signs, as thieves can easily vandalize them and steal your bike.
That also means avoiding younger trees as thieves can break them. In addition, avoid parking meters and street signs, as most city ordinances don’t allow it.
4. Park in an open, well-lit area
Thieves hate doing their business in open spaces as they can easily attract some attention. So consider locking your bike in a more open public area, and it should be well lit to deter thieves.
5. Register your bike
You can do all of the above and still lose your bike to thieves. But to make recovery much easier, consider registering it.
You can do it online through the national bicycle registration database.
6. Monitor your bike using GPS Tracker
Instead of waiting for someone to steal your bike, can you stop it before it happens? You do that with a GPS tracker.
With the tracker you can follow the movement of the bike with your smartphone, so you know when someone is moving it.
More importantly, you can track the movement and catch up with the thieves before they can get far.
A fantastic bike tracker is the Invoxia mobile GPS tracker. (Link to Amazon)
This GPS tracker comes with a free 2-year subscription and allows you to discreetly track and track your bike with your smartphone when it is stolen.
What to do if there is no bicycle rack and bicycle lock?
The truth is that nothing replaces a quality bike lock, which I highly recommend. But if you find you don’t have one and have to leave your bike on the street, try the following:
- Hide your bike away from common eyes. You can park it behind cars, trees or a building.
- Stop the wheels by deflating the tires or removing the chain to discourage potential thieves from driving away.
- Set it to a higher gear ratio to make it difficult for opportunists to jump on it and drive away.
- Remove the front wheel to make the bike less attractive to potential thieves.
- Also remove the saddle to make the bike less attractive to would-be thieves.
- If possible, take the bike with you.
- Use the helmet straps to lock the helmet against a fixed object.
- Quickly release the bike’s quick-release levers to make it harder for would-be thieves to get away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I secure my bike without a luggage carrier?
Here are the general tips for securing your bike without a rack:
- Find a sturdy rack-like object, such as a bolt-on bench, sturdy fence, or tall tree to lock your bike
- Lock your bicycle in several places with a fraud-resistant bicycle lock
- Register your bike with a national bicycle registration database
- Change parking space regularly
- Use bicycle GPS tracker to track it
2. Can I secure my bike anywhere?
It is not a good idea to leave your bicycle unsecured in a public place. If you must, make sure you pair it properly. In particular, secure the frame and wheels to a solid object or rack.
3. Can you lock a bike to a car?
Normally you need a bike carrier to secure your bike to a car. With a bicycle carrier you can not only secure the bicycle securely on the vehicle, but also transport it safely.
4. How much weight can a luggage carrier carry?
A rear bike rack can hold 20-60 pounds per bike, depending on the rack type and build quality.
Hitch rear racks are usually the strongest and can hold more than 45 pounds per bike, while spare tire racks are the least strong.
5. Where can I pack my bike if there is no bike rack?
In order to lock your bike, you need to find an object that is similar to a rack and that is strong and long. That includes one of these options:
- Strong, tall trees
- Down screwed benches
- Permanent fences
- light poles
- Permanent street signs
6. Can bike racks be stolen?
Bicycle racks are not theft-proof. Opportunists will always be tempted to steal them if they are unlocked or unattended for extended periods of time.
To reduce the risk, lock your bike carrier if you leave it in your car or take it with you.
7. How fast can you go with a bike rack?
Depending on the type of luggage carrier and the road condition, you may not drive faster than 80 km/h with a bicycle carrier. For example, the maximum speed of a luggage rack on most roads is 89 km/h, while that of a luggage rack is 80 km/h.
Final Thought
You now know what to do if there is no bicycle carrier. So if you are in a public place without a bike rack, use the tips you share to park your two-wheeler.
However, keep in mind that nothing replaces a bike carrier. Investing in a quality option is therefore wise!
