5 outrageous hacks to protect your bicycle

How far would you go to protect your bicycle? Most of us make do with a good cycle insurance policy, but there are those who turn to guerrilla tactics to turn the tables on thieves.

Pranksters in America equipped a bicycle seat with an airbag salvaged from a scrap car. Left unlocked against a tree in their local park, the bait was quickly taken – and the airbag detonated remotely.

The BOND bike has a flame-thrower fitted in the handlebars prevents overtaking motorists getting too close, and, just as you’d expect from 007, an ejector seat to dispose of thieves who beat its D-lock. If the system is not disarmed, a strong spring launches the bicycle seat, thief and all, into the air

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Q4xWzW-nk

{{cta-cycling}}

When thieves come for your bicycle in the dead of night they have a massive advantage. You are asleep. They have time to prise open sheds and dismantle locks in peace. The answer, according to the makers of BIKE MINE, is to use the world's loudest alarm.

When tripped by a thief, BIKE MINE detonates a 150 dB blast of sound; more than enough to startle a thief and raise the alarm. It's an idea that isn't intended to replace the need for a good insurance policy, but rather a simple, low-tech means of protecting your bicycle when it's stored on your property.

A London cyclist frustrated by the high rate of cycle theft resorted to supplementing the security provided by a conventional lock by securing their bike with a length of hidden 500 lb fishing line. If the primary lock is smashed and the bicycle ridden off without permission, the line snaps taught and thief is thrown from the bike.

The least outrageous and legally questionable technique described here, the Sherlock is a hidden GPS tracker for bicycles that allows you to locate your bike at any time. Tipping the scales at 50 grams, Sherlock is small enough to be installed easily and securely within the handlebars of your bicycle. Hidden behind plain handlebar plugs, the tracker is invisible to the thief who doesn’t know what he’s looking for.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

{{cta-cycling}}