NYC & CU Bike Safety Tips

By
Office of the Executive Vice President
May 24, 2011

Dear Public Safety Friends, 

According to a survey conducted by the New York City Transportation Alternatives organization, bike ownership has increased dramatically. This is great news for the environment, as well as for public and individual health. Unfortunately, New York is also labeled the "bike theft capital" of the nation, and we've recently seen a further increase in reports of bike theft.

A major cause of these incidents is the improper securing of bikes. In each bike theft report received by Public Safety, the owner had used a cable type lock to secure their bike, or had not properly secured it.

Public Safety offers FREE bike registration by appointment with the NYPD / CU, as well as discounted Kryptonite bike locks. This year Public Safety has teamed up with PIN Head Locks (http://www.pinheadcomponents.com/), a patented locking fastener system that secures your individual bike components from theft. Unlike a conventional U-lock, which only secures your bike frame, the Pinhead locking system se-cures your individual bike components from theft.

Please avoid using any type of cable type lock, which can easily be cut. Always use a U-shape type lock and secure the frame and tire together to a bolted down bike rack,  NOT toSTAIRWELLS, HAND RAILINGS, DISABILITY RAMPS or to the POLES AND CHAINS that separate the cement and grass on the University's South Field, College Walk and Low Plaza. These poles can be removed, and your bike will be stolen. Use the over 200 bike racks available on campus.

Discount Pinhead and Kryptonite bike locks can be purchased at the following Public Safety locations:

  • Morningside Campus Public Safety Office 
    Room 111 Low Library 
    Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri
  • Medical Center Campus Public Safety Office 
    650 West 168 Street 
    Black Building, Room 109 
    Open 24 hours

To find a bike rack closest to you visit the following Web sites:

To access a bike map of New York City or for more bike safety tips, visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/bike/cwbm.shtml 

For more information from Public Safety, please call 212-854 8513. 

Thank you, 

Ricardo Morales
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
212-854-8513 
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety
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