About Bike Theft >The Problem >
Why Prevent Bike Theft

Cyclists are more like likely to have their bike stolen than car or motorbike owners.

Cycle theft, and fear of it, is found to discourage and impede cycle usage (Davies et al. 1998). Interviews with victims of cycle theft also indicate that few replace their bicycles once stolen (Mercat and Heran, 2003). UK research shows that, 17% of cyclist experience bicycle theft. Of these, 24% stop cycling and 66% cycle less often (DTR/TRL 1996)

Cycle theft is the second detractor from cycle use after fears about road safety.

Cycling offers numerous health and environmental benefits. Which is why it is increasing.

Encouraging the switch to sustainable transport alternatives - such as walking and cycling - is therefore a much sought-after policy target.

Ultimately we need to encourage cycle use because of the benefits in brings to our planet.
These benefits include:

• Health benefits

• Energy benefits

• Benefits of bikes to Road Users and Motorists

Neglecting the risks associated with increased cycle usage may therefore jeopardize achieving commendable policy aims. To maintain the growth in cycle use and thus realise the benefits that cycling offers, we must therefore reduce the risk and incidence of cycle theft and increase the safety of cyclists.