Safety & Prevention

5 good resolutions to protect your bike in 2026

By BicyCode - 12/19/2025

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental, economic, and health benefits. However, one major obstacle still hinders its adoption: theft. In France, hundreds of thousands of bicycles disappear every year. This fear discourages people from buying bikes, limits their daily use, and sometimes even causes cyclists to give up cycling altogether.

Resolution No. 1: Have your bike marked

Marking your bike is an essential step. By engraving or affixing a unique identifier linked to a national database, you make your bike traceable and much less attractive to thieves. If it is stolen, the chances of it being returned are greatly increased. In recent years, marking has become mandatory for new bikes sold by professionals.

As it does every year, the FUB anti-theft commission has revealed the results of its bicycle lock testing campaign. In 2025, 46 different locks were tested by the commission's teams. Only 30 were classified as FUB 2 Roues. Discover the results of this study here.


Choose a suitable lock (and use it properly)

Not all locks are created equal. U-locks or reinforced chains offer much better resistance than simple cables. But a good lock is only effective if it is used properly: always attach the frame (and if possible a wheel) to a solid fixed point, avoiding easily removable elements.


Park smart

The parking location plays a key role. Choose visible, busy, and well-lit areas. Avoid isolated or quiet areas, especially at night. At home, a locked room or secure space significantly reduces the risks.


Be visible and identifiable

A customized bike is harder to resell. Stickers, distinctive accessories, or recognizable paintwork can deter thieves. Photographing your bike and keeping receipts also makes it easier to deal with theft.


Conclusion: protecting your bike means protecting cycling

Fighting theft isn't just about protecting an object: it's about encouraging everyday cycling. By combining marking, good locks, and smart parking habits, everyone can reduce the risks. A better-protected bike means a more relaxed cyclist... and a practice that is growing sustainably.

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