Sacramento Press has put out an article titled Tips for deterring bicycle thieves. Most of the article is repeating the “lock it, lock it, lock it” mantra.  However, urban cycling supports in the comments for the article took minor exception to the description of cycling as a sport.

Interestingly enough, the statement made by a Sacramento Police Offices – as quoted in the article – is one of some contention as well:

Try not to leave it in areas that aren’t well-traveled,” said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.

There are some that also believe that the hustle and bustle of busy streets may actually provide better cover for bike thieves that quiet suburban streets.  Specifically, Hal Grades does a great – if somewhat slightly humourous – job of evaluating actually bikes as they are locked up on New Your City streets.  In his video, he argues that point that the quiet streets are actually safer for bikes.

Thieves can’t steal what they can’t reach – correct?  That appears to be what a couple of German inventors are banking on.

They’ve created a bicycle lock that attaches to a light post and, using a remote control, will then lift the bike 15 feet up in the air.  The device uses what are essentially skate board wheels, electric motors and batteries to literally “drive” up the pole – all while the bike is attached.

The engineer side of me immediately wonders things like:

• “What size pole is required?”  The video doesn’t make the device appear to be adjustable, and even shows them out on the streets measuring a light pole
• “What is the weight capacity?”
• “What’s the battery life?”  I assume it depends on how heavy your bike is.
• And, probably most importantly, “What happens when the batteries go dead?