At BikeFlip we understand how important a good bike is for your child's independence and mobility. Unfortunately, bike theft is a major problem in the Netherlands, especially in cities. Bike thieves strike quickly and often poorly locked bikes are an easy target. In 2023, more than 85,000 bike thefts were reported in the Netherlands, which amounts to almost ten bikes per hour. According to the ANWB more than half of all bicycles are stolen in public places where they are not properly secured. This makes it extra important for parents to properly secure their child's bicycle. But how do you choose the right lock? And how do you give your child responsibility for their bicycle security? In this blog, we at BikeFlip give you practical tips!
Why is a good bicycle lock important?
Your child’s bike is not only a means of transportation, but also an important tool for independence and mobility. Whether it’s for school, sports or play dates, losing a bike through theft can have a major impact. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a good lock and teach your child how to park their bike safely.
Which types of bicycle locks are suitable for children's bicycles?
Not every bike lock is equally effective or even practical for children. Here are the most common types and their pros and cons:
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Ring lock: This lock is attached to the frame and blocks the rear wheel. It is useful for short stops, but offers limited security.
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Chain lock: This flexible and sturdy lock is ideal for securing the bike to a fixed object. Pay attention to the thickness of the links; the thicker, the harder to break. This lock can be a bit heavy for young children, but it does offer a safe and reliable option.
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U-lock: This lock offers excellent protection and is very sturdy. It is less flexible, but very effective against theft.
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Cable lock: Light and flexible, but less security. Suitable as an extra lock or for accessories.
For children's bikes, a combination of a ring lock and a chain lock is often the best choice. The ring lock is easy to use and the chain lock ensures that the bike is secured to a fixed object.
Double lock: the golden rule in the city
In busy urban areas it is essential to always lock a bike with two locks and secure it to a fixed object. Theft is often quick and organised, and the harder it is to unlock a bike, the less attractive it becomes to thieves. Therefore, teach your child to park their bike in a safe way:
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Use a sturdy ART-certified lock. For extra security, an ART 2 or ART 3 lock is recommended.
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Always secure the bike to a sturdy object. A fence, pole or bike rack is ideal.
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Use two different types of locks. A ring lock combined with a chain lock or U-lock offers the best protection.
Children learn responsibility for their bicycle
In addition to choosing the right lock, it is also important to give your child responsibility over their bike. This not only helps prevent theft, but also contributes to their independence. Here are a few ways to do this:
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Let your child lock their own bike. From a young age you can teach them how to use keys and why double locking is important.
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Make it a habit. Make locking the bike a regular part of their routine, just like wearing a helmet or checking the lights.
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Use a key cord or key ring. This way they are less likely to lose the bike key and the key really feels like theirs.
BikeFlip is happy to help you on your way!
At BikeFlip we understand that choosing the right bike lock can be overwhelming. That's why we've already made the choice for you! In addition to the AXA ring lock that comes with almost every bike, it is also possible to order a STEEL padlock !
By always double locking the bike and giving your child responsibility, you can significantly reduce the chance of theft. Start teaching good habits today and make sure your child can hit the road with a safe feeling!
