Small town bike security

[uforgot]

I'm planning a move to Portland within the next year, so I have been reading about bike theft and how to prevent it. I read just yesterday how some people even have their bikes stolen out of their apartments and garages, (including Mimi)! I got up this morning, took some paint to the garage and realized that I had left the garage door up and the light on, my bikes, lawnmower, weedeater, etc. in full view of the street. There ARE some perks to living in a community where everyone knows everyone and really, it would be quite unusual for someone to take something out of my garage. A few months ago, I was in the store and realized that I had left my wallet, in my basket on my bike in full view of everyone. It was 15 minutes later and yup, my wallet was still there. Not only was my wallet there but I don't even own a chain or lock for my bike. I simply don't need it here. I think it will be quite a learning curve for me in Portland, but I am looking forward to the move.

[TrekDianna]

Oregon or Maine?

[uforgot]

Oregon or Maine?

Oregon.:D

[sookiesue]

You'll love the biking here! Good luck with the move. Keep us posted on how it all goes.

[radacrider]

Get a good U-lock with cable. Some areas of Portland are not bad. Definitely anytime downtown, lock it and take anything loose with you. My son's friend had his bike stolen as it was only locked with a cable lock. He now uses a U-lock. Park it in well traveled areas with lot's of light. I am still amazed at the light duty locks people still use around here.

[TrekDianna]

I am 1.5 hours south of Portland, or 3 hours south east depending on which house I am in at the time. When are you arriving? Do you have a mtb?

[Sky King]

Also lock it to your car if you have it on the bike rack. My DS had two bikes stolen in Portland this past year. One out of the back of his truck, which has a shell that was locked but the bike wasn't locked to the truck, broke the lock on the hatch and took his bike. Second bike was out of sight behind a 15 foot gated fence but someone neglected to make sure the gate had shut securely when they went to work. He came out and bike was gone... Love Portland but theft is rampant.