Cars and a biker on a multi-lane road. There is also a person walking on the sidewalk.
Traffic Engineering
Yang Tao, Traffic Engineering Director

Lock Your Bicycle

bike lock and key

Bicycle Lock

bike correctly locked to bike rack

Bicycle with Cable Lock

bike correctly locked to bike rack using two locks

Bicycle with two locks

bike correctly locked to bike rack with one wheel removed

Bicycle with lock and one tire removed

There are 3 simple ways of cutting the risk of bicycle theft:

  • A good lock
  • Using it effectively
  • Choosing the right location
bike with lock placed incorrectly with red slash through it meaning "no"

Do not lock to unsecured pole

bike with bike lock attached to ramp handrail incorrectly with red slash meaning "no"

Do not lock to a railing

bike locked to pole on stairs with red slash through it meaning "no"

Do not lock to stairs/steps

bike locked to a tree with red slash through it meaning "no"

Do not lock to a tree

Why should you register your bicycle?

Bicycle registration reduces theft.

Registering your bike greatly increases the likelihood your bike will be returned to you if recovered.

many bikes correctly locked to bike rack

A Good Lock

Buy the best lock you can afford. Keep the lock and/or cable off the ground so a thief cannot use the ground for leverage.

Using it Effectively

Lock your bicycle in a well-lit, well traveled area. Dark alleys and other out of the way places give thieves time to work. Always lock your bicycle in a bike rack. When there are not bike racks, lock your bicycle to something that cannot be easily broken.

Choosing the Right Location

Find a bike rack, when available. There are bike racks throughout the downtown and the UW campus, and in all City parking ramps. Where there are not bike racks, lock your bicycle to something that cannot be easily broken. Bike thieves have been known to steal bicycles, lock and all, and break the lock later. Remember, it is illegal to park your bicycle against a tree, or where it will block access for persons with disabilities. Think about others. Will your bicycle block a doorway, stairs, crosswalk, ramp or other access, or will it generally be in the way of pedestrians? Keep your bicycle locked indoors overnight, if possible.

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Biking & Walking