The French "velodrama", an investigation into the scourge of bicycle theft
For those of us who have experienced the unpleasant misfortune of having our bike stolen, the bitter taste and mixed feeling of rage and fatality can last a long time. And it doesn't matter how much the bike costs, because the value you place on it goes far beyond that.
So yes, this nagging shadow that hangs over every bike owner is a real scourge that ruins life. Every year, thousands of French cyclists fall victim to this frustrating offence, synonymous with financial loss, travel constraints and a feeling of injustice.
For VEST PARIS and the FLUX editorial team, committed to promoting serene urban mobility, it's crucial to lift the veil on this problem and offer a comprehensive guide to protecting your precious two-wheeler.
Alarming figures for bicycle theft in France
While the exact figures for bicycle theft in France remain patchy, the estimates are worrying. According to some sources, over 300,000 bicycles are stolen every year in France, i.e. 821 bikes stolen every day. This colossal figure places France among Europe's worst performers in this area.
Unsurprisingly, large conurbations are the hardest hit. Paris and the Île-de-France region account for a significant proportion of the thefts, with particularly critical neighborhoods. Cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille also experience a high level of activity by bicycle thieves. Local statistics, though often aggregated, bear witness to a bitter daily reality for many city dwellers.
It is crucial to note that these figures only reflect reported thefts, as a significant proportion of victims sometimes prefer not to take any administrative action.
A typically French plague?
Although bicycle theft is not a Franco-French problem, our country seems to be particularly affected. Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, cycling nations par excellence, have proportionately lower theft rates, thanks in particular to secure parking infrastructures and a more respectful ownership culture.
Germany and the UK also face the problem, but local and national initiatives seem to be bearing fruit. This comparison suggests that solutions do exist and can be transposed to France.
The anti-theft arsenal
Faced with the ingenuity of thieves, cyclists need to arm themselves with robust deterrents.
Padlocks: an essential investment
The choice of lock is crucial. Forget low-end cable locks, which can be easily cut in a few seconds. Instead, opt for U-shaped padlocks (also known as "horseshoes") certified by independent organizations (such as ART in the Netherlands or Sold Secure in the UK). Their hardened steel shackles are highly resistant to cutting, twisting and drilling.
Folding padlocks, which are more compact and convenient to carry, also offer a good level of security if they are of certified quality. Chain locks with heat-treated alloy steel links are another robust but heavier option.
But there's one golden rule: never attach the front wheel alone. Experienced thieves know how to dismantle it quickly. Always secure the bike frame to a fixed, solid anchor point (a ground-mounted bicycle hoop, for example). If possible, also secure the front or rear wheel with a good-quality second lock.
Integrated solutions from manufacturers
Some bicycle manufacturers are starting to integrate anti-theft solutions directly into the design of their models. This can take the form of integrated wheel locking systems requiring a special key, anti-theft fasteners for the saddle or wheels requiring special tools, or GPS chips discreetly concealed in the frame, enabling the bike to be geolocated in the event of theft (often for a subscription fee).
Although still in the minority, these initiatives show an awareness of the problem and offer interesting prospects.
Three complementary accessories
In addition to padlocks, the FLUX editorial team suggests 3 accessories that can act as a deterrent:
1-Audio alarms: These are triggered by suspicious movement and can scare off opportunistic thieves.
2-Antitheft markings (Bicycode, Recobike): These systems involve engraving a unique number on the bike frame and registering it in a national database. Although they don't physically prevent theft, they make resale more difficult and facilitate return in the event of discovery. A VEST PARIS customer recently told us about this solution, and urges us to opt for this type of marking.
3-Theft-deterrent nuts for wheels and saddle: These replace conventional nuts and require a special wrench to remove, making it harder to steal components.
What role can public authorities play in combating this scourge?
Public authorities have an essential role to play in the fight against bicycle theft. Initiatives inspired by foreign models could be implemented on a larger scale in France. Four options are on the table:
Massive development of secure parking facilities: Individual "bike-boxes" and secure collective bike parks, such as those commonly found in the Netherlands and Denmark, are crucial. Railway stations, metro stations, shopping malls and workplaces should be equipped with these solutions. City councils have a major role to play in urban planning to integrate these infrastructures.
Reinforced surveillance and enforcement: A greater police presence in high-risk theft areas and tougher penalties for thieves are needed. Specialized bike theft brigades, as exist in some European cities, could be envisaged.
Awareness and information campaigns: Informing cyclists about good safety practices and promoting the use of marking systems are important measures. VEST PARIS is committed to taking an active part in these campaigns.
Financial support for secure parking solutions: Local authorities could offer financial assistance to individuals and businesses for the installation of secure parking systems.
Common sense and reflexes in our behavior
At FLUX we don't like to give lessons, but beyond equipment and infrastructure, some common sense reflexes can considerably reduce the risk of theft. Here are a few examples:
Never leave your bike unattended in isolated or seldom-frequented areas, even for a short time.
Vary parking locations and attachment points. Thieves tend to pick up on habits.
If you park your bike in a public place on a regular basis, try to choose well-lit areas with plenty of foot traffic. Visibility is a deterrent.
Be on the lookout for suspicious persons lurking around bicycle parking areas. Don't hesitate to report any strange behavior.
Record your bike's characteristics (make, model, serial number, photos). This information will be invaluable in the event of theft, to facilitate searches and the filing of a complaint.
Remember to insure your bike
Despite all precautions, there is no such thing as zero risk. Taking out bicycle insurance can offer peace of mind and financial compensation in the event of theft. Several types of insurance exist, offered by specialized companies or integrated into home insurance policies. It's important to check the conditions of coverage (deductible, obsolescence, type of theft covered) and to declare the real value of your bike and its accessories. At VEST PARIS, many of our customers own valuable electric bikes from Moustache, Brompton or Dance, so specific insurance is highly recommended.
Thieves' techniques: know your enemy to better defend yourself
Bicycle thieves are often organized and use a variety of techniques:
Forcing locks: Use of bolt cutters, crowbars, hacksaws or bolt cutters, often concealed.
Picking: A more discreet technique, but one that requires a certain amount of know-how to manipulate locks.
Theft by removal: Quick loading of the bike into a vehicle, especially if the lock is not attached to a solid anchoring point.
Component theft: Quick removal of wheels, saddle or other valuable parts.
Opportunism: theft of poorly secured or unsecured bikes, left unattended even for a short time.
What about nitrogen: It's a tenacious belief that circulates in the bike theft world, but it's crucial to set the record straight: using liquid nitrogen to steal bikes is a myth rather than a proven and widespread technique.
Knowing these techniques enables you to adapt your protection measures and make the thieves' task more difficult and risky.
VEST PARIS: your partner for safe urban mobility
At VEST PARIS and the FLUX editorial team, we believe in the potential of the bicycle as a sustainable and enjoyable mode of transport. That's why we're committed to informing and educating our customers about safety issues. This is our mission, and it doesn't end with the design of our clothing. We want to contribute to an urban environment where bicycle theft is no longer a fatality. Together, let's protect our two-wheelers so that the pleasure of pedaling remains intact.