Only leave out what you can afford to lose..........
From The Province Newspaper, Sunday August 18 2013, Page a21
Two men charged after GPS-equipped bike leads police their way
Police tacking a "bait bike" stolen in Whistler found it and seven other stolen bikes in the back of a U-Haul trailer heading back to Vancouver.
Whistler RCMP tracked the GPS-equipped bike, stolen early Friday, going South and called other police along Hwy 99 for help, police said in a news release. West Vancouver police at a road check on Hwy 99 at Lawrence Way in West Vancouver pulled over the U-Haul and arrested a Vancouver man, 45 and a Surrey man, 47.
Both are "very well known" to police and are facing charges, police said.
If your bike was recently stolen in the Sea to Sky corridor, contact Whistler RCMP.
At this point I should add I know nothing more than what is written in the newspaper article listed above, other than I know that the idea of bait bikes has been around for awhile. This is the first time I have heard of its successful use.
During my CAN-BIKE courses when we talk about bike security I show a picture that was taken at the Edmonds Bus Loop, Burnaby BC. The picture is of a wheel and tyre locked to the bike rack. The rest of the bike is gone, but the wheel and tyre are intact. I just took a picture for my bike teaching files of a frame attached to a bike rack at the MetroTown Skytrain station, Burnaby BC. In this case there is only the frame and front fork, and of course the lock still attached to the bike rack.
The reason I mention these two pictures is to show that bike thieves will take what ever they can steal.
Please don't infer that Burnaby BC is not a safe place for parking your bike and locking it to a bike rack. I suspect that this is a much more common occurrence the world over than admitted.
I come back to my opening statement about leaving your bike out, locked up or not.
Cycling safety is about being safe, and being able to ride to your destination and back to whence you started. Locking your bike securely and having it there when you come back, in one piece, is what you want.
Know, I am going to suggest that taking a couple of extra steps that will greatly assist if your bike is stolen. If you recall that I mentioned I have a back round in Policing, so when I suggest that the Police require certain pieces of information, please believe me.
Technology and the advancements in cycling has ment that bikes have gotten more expensive. The quest for lighter and faster has pushed the price of frames and attached pieces up through the stratosphere. It seems that to some price is no object. That in turn has drawn the interest of those that make their vocation of stealing bikes.
Now, is there a best way to stop the thieves? Don't leave your bike out where it can be stolen is the first thought, but when that doesn't happen try the following:
- take a photo of your bike and keep it on file
- record the serial number of your bike along with the colour
- record the particular extra pieces you have assembled on your bike
- if possible add an extra identifying number scratched on the frame in an obvious place
*** I would suggest your drivers licence number ***
- If you have a carbon fiber bike, you know the serial number is a sticker attached. I am not sure how serial numbers are affixed to titanium frames.
That brings me to the main point of this entry, Yes there is a reason, sorry it took so long to get here.
There is a new company that has the ability to assist you with combatting bike theft.
Registering bikes is an age old system. Once done with paper, know can be done using a computer. They have the ability to put an register your bike. Once done and registered through your favorite bike shop, you have a record of your bike and in turn you have a quick ready description to take to your local Police Jurisdictional office.
www.chipabike.com
is the name of the company and this is their web site.
This appears to be the next step in bike security.
It is an idea whose time has come !!!!!
Police require a few things to add your stolen bike to CPIC (Canadian Police Information Computer) or in the United States, NCIC (National Crime Information Computer), and Police on both sides of the border have access by simply running a serial number.
BUT, and this is the big part and where you come into the equation....
they require the bike serial number to make this equation work.
Please take the time to record the serial number from each of your bikes, and take a picture of your steed. Insurance will like the idea also, if you have to call them.
Then check www.chipabike.com and ask your favorite bike shop to look into the program.
I registered both my bikes today through my bike favorite bike shop here in Maple Ridge - Local Ride.
Having said all this, don't leave your bike out without locking it to something substantial, that you are allowed to lock to, and keep an eye on it. If riding in a group take turns sitting with the bikes so the would be thieves see your bikes are not targets.
If in doubt, then refer back to the opening comment, and enjoy the walk home.
I encourage you to check out their web site.
Please assist you local Police to combat bike theft.
Thanks for stopping by,
Safe Ride Home......
Chuck
Thursday 22 August 2013
Sunday 4 August 2013
Perspective Part two
In the Maple Ridge Times newspaper, dated 2013-07-30, in the opinion column Odd Thoughts by Bob GROENEVELD, page A6.
He wrote an OpEd piece titled Add cycling to learning cycle.
In it is said that cyclists need to learn to ride safely on the roads with cars and car drivers need to learn to operate with cyclists. I think he wrote an excellent piece and I agree with most of what he said.
It is a good article and if you have a chance to take a read, I think its worth the time.
The local riding coalition members made reference to the piece on the advocacy web site. The writer didn't agree with him, but this is okay not everyone has to agree on everything. Life would be dull if that were to happen. I made comment, in reply and my comments were not received very well.
I believe that cars and bikes can co-exist on the roads when both sides respect the other and the riders do not over ride their abilities or go places they shouldn't. I do believe that the roads are for both, and that those that can't ride on the busier roads should check and see how they can get to their destination on less travelled, slower speed roads that get them to where they want to be. In CANADA we all know the roads were built for vehicles, four wheeled (and more) vehicles. Road engineers didn't look at cyclists until the last 15 years, and then only because they had to, and only in a passing reference.
I pointed out to the other writer that there is other ways to get to a destination by bike that may take you a little out of the way but not by much. I also suggested that sidewalks are not for cyclists, with the caveat that young new riders can use them in their neighbourhoods until they gain confidence and can handle to less travelled roads, and separated bike paths.
I suggested that safe cycling is not to over ride your abilities, and to choose the route that gets you to where you want to go and how best to get there. These are just good techniques for safety and riding. I also agreed with the OpEd piece that cyclists contravening the laws should be ticketed, as should the vehicle drivers contravening the rules of the road.
It was pointed out to me that bikes have the same rights to go where they wish, and I agree with that. I was also advised that sidewalks can be used at anytime where the roads become to dangerous to ride on. Also it was pointed out that basic safe driving principals shouldn't apply to bikes, such as riding on sidewalks, stopping at Stop Signs, wearing a bike helmet.
This is where we seriously part opinions. I believe that cyclists must act as do other road users and be dealt with accordingly when caught. Stop Signs are put up for a reason and when not adhered with serious injury, or worse can and does occur. Helmets save lives, and are not that expensive. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bikes. Most roads in this area have bike lanes next to the sidewalk along the road, on both sides that work just fine.
The Topic of this entry is PERSPECTIVE. I view cycling safety as a must do, not a nice to do or do when it is convenient. We can't pick and choose the laws we agree with and those we don't and follow them as we feel. It's great to be right, but do you want to be dead right. Is it worth it?, I suspect not in the grand scheme of things.
The safety cycling thing is not to over ride your abilities, not to ride where it is dangerous or you are putting your life at risk. Being able to choose a route that will fill your needs and get you home and back, safely and in one piece.
Using your lights & reflectors both day and night, wearing vibrant reflective clothing, using proper signals.
One of the aspects of safe cycling is being able to find a route that works for you and your objectives. Another portion that goes with shopping,using your bike is knowing how to safely load your goodies into your panniers. That is a skill unto itself !!
Like I said in the beginning Perspective.
Thanks for stopping by, Safe Ride Home.
Chuck
He wrote an OpEd piece titled Add cycling to learning cycle.
In it is said that cyclists need to learn to ride safely on the roads with cars and car drivers need to learn to operate with cyclists. I think he wrote an excellent piece and I agree with most of what he said.
It is a good article and if you have a chance to take a read, I think its worth the time.
The local riding coalition members made reference to the piece on the advocacy web site. The writer didn't agree with him, but this is okay not everyone has to agree on everything. Life would be dull if that were to happen. I made comment, in reply and my comments were not received very well.
I believe that cars and bikes can co-exist on the roads when both sides respect the other and the riders do not over ride their abilities or go places they shouldn't. I do believe that the roads are for both, and that those that can't ride on the busier roads should check and see how they can get to their destination on less travelled, slower speed roads that get them to where they want to be. In CANADA we all know the roads were built for vehicles, four wheeled (and more) vehicles. Road engineers didn't look at cyclists until the last 15 years, and then only because they had to, and only in a passing reference.
I pointed out to the other writer that there is other ways to get to a destination by bike that may take you a little out of the way but not by much. I also suggested that sidewalks are not for cyclists, with the caveat that young new riders can use them in their neighbourhoods until they gain confidence and can handle to less travelled roads, and separated bike paths.
I suggested that safe cycling is not to over ride your abilities, and to choose the route that gets you to where you want to go and how best to get there. These are just good techniques for safety and riding. I also agreed with the OpEd piece that cyclists contravening the laws should be ticketed, as should the vehicle drivers contravening the rules of the road.
It was pointed out to me that bikes have the same rights to go where they wish, and I agree with that. I was also advised that sidewalks can be used at anytime where the roads become to dangerous to ride on. Also it was pointed out that basic safe driving principals shouldn't apply to bikes, such as riding on sidewalks, stopping at Stop Signs, wearing a bike helmet.
This is where we seriously part opinions. I believe that cyclists must act as do other road users and be dealt with accordingly when caught. Stop Signs are put up for a reason and when not adhered with serious injury, or worse can and does occur. Helmets save lives, and are not that expensive. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bikes. Most roads in this area have bike lanes next to the sidewalk along the road, on both sides that work just fine.
The Topic of this entry is PERSPECTIVE. I view cycling safety as a must do, not a nice to do or do when it is convenient. We can't pick and choose the laws we agree with and those we don't and follow them as we feel. It's great to be right, but do you want to be dead right. Is it worth it?, I suspect not in the grand scheme of things.
The safety cycling thing is not to over ride your abilities, not to ride where it is dangerous or you are putting your life at risk. Being able to choose a route that will fill your needs and get you home and back, safely and in one piece.
Using your lights & reflectors both day and night, wearing vibrant reflective clothing, using proper signals.
One of the aspects of safe cycling is being able to find a route that works for you and your objectives. Another portion that goes with shopping,using your bike is knowing how to safely load your goodies into your panniers. That is a skill unto itself !!
Like I said in the beginning Perspective.
Thanks for stopping by, Safe Ride Home.
Chuck
Perspective, Part one
Days off, blue skies, no wind, very nice temperatures. When you have that combination on the British Columbia coast you know it is a great day, when you add a long week-end into that formula you now it is almost as good as it gets.
We went for a walk around Fort Langley this morning and looked at that area, now that the Albion ferry no longer there. The area has become a small idyllic place, and is even nicer than when the traffic was racing through to get to and from the ferry.
I watched groups of older riders coming into the café/book store we had breakfast at. I must admit I wasn't riding, I guess I should have been, but Kim doesn't own a bike... yet. We are still working on that. She did see a bicycle built for two, and thought that could work for us. Yea right.
The area is wonderful for touring with friends or a group(s). I would consider the roads are country grade, with some shoulders and some not. They are older asphalt with newer sections. The biggest thing is shadows, and that is part of the charm of the area. The established trees and greenery in the area along the river and railway tracks. The scenery is spectacular, for both riders and drivers passing through the area. This is the area that a few years ago when I was riding to work in Langley, I had to stop once for a peacock in the middle of the road and had to around a deer standing watching me coming. I was headed for the ferry and was trying to make time.
I noticed that most of the riders were older, closer to my age and riding higher end road bikes. Most were in the traditional spandex (remember spandex is a privilege not a right) shorts, cycling jerseys, bike shoes with clipless pedals, mostly look pedals and shoes, and of course helmets. Some were Shimano type clipless. Lots were wearing gloves and sun glasses, another good sign.
What I noticed, as a cycling Instructor and advocate for things cycling safety was the fact that only a hand full had lights, fewer had rear lights, and only a couple had bright tops. Only one was of the bright lime green, or any bright safety colour. they were riding in packs, I suspect a peloton.
With the shadows and narrower roads and drivers that aren't looking for cyclists this can cause a potential for disaster or worse.... as I see it.
Cars have day time running lights man dated for a good reason, so I believe that if you are riding your bike at anytime of the day or night or in any weather you should have your lights on and wearing reflective material that can be seen from a longer distance than a few meters. I like the idea of a few hundred meters !!!!
The other part of my thoughts that brought me to this point of PERSEPCTIVE was that we all see things differently, depending on where we are looking in from. I thought the riders this morning could've/should've been more safety conscious and dressed for the occasion. I am quite sure if you asked them they would tell you they were fine and because they were a large group/pack, they would be fine.
It is not my place to place blame or pass comment on an accident, that is not the point of this reference to this tragedy. I feel terrible for the young lad and his family. I hark back to the tragedy in the ride for Cancer a couple of months ago, just South of here in Washington State, in a cross border ride for Cancer. The lad that was riding behind a group, pulled out around them and appears to have either gotten close to or crossed the centre line, and was struck by a car coming in the other direction. The lad lost his life riding with family and friends for a very worthy cause, a true tragedy and a life that didn't need to be lost. I'm sure he did what he thought was right and what he was shown or had seen. when he went around the group.
These groups this morning I'm sure would say they have been riding for decades and never had a problem, and I can't argue with that, but the time can come at any time.
In the new CAN-BIKE material one of the studies we are quoting from is a study that says cyclists are likely to have a minor injury/accident every 3 years and a major accident once every 15 years. I have been involved in a major accident, a training accident and it was not pleasant.
Most accidents/injuries can be avoided. My accident/injury could've been avoided if the Instructor knew how to properly teach techniques, lets leave it at that shall we.
Perspective, it is all in how we look at the situation at hand and deal with it and or react to it.
I believe cycling safety is being prepared before the situation arises by using knowledge, ability and safety devices. A few well spent dollars for lights, reflectors, and vibrant coloured reflective clothing could be the difference between life and not being able to ride again... or worse.
Like I said perspective, that's how I see it.
Thanks for stopping by
Safe Ride Home,
Chuck
We went for a walk around Fort Langley this morning and looked at that area, now that the Albion ferry no longer there. The area has become a small idyllic place, and is even nicer than when the traffic was racing through to get to and from the ferry.
I watched groups of older riders coming into the café/book store we had breakfast at. I must admit I wasn't riding, I guess I should have been, but Kim doesn't own a bike... yet. We are still working on that. She did see a bicycle built for two, and thought that could work for us. Yea right.
The area is wonderful for touring with friends or a group(s). I would consider the roads are country grade, with some shoulders and some not. They are older asphalt with newer sections. The biggest thing is shadows, and that is part of the charm of the area. The established trees and greenery in the area along the river and railway tracks. The scenery is spectacular, for both riders and drivers passing through the area. This is the area that a few years ago when I was riding to work in Langley, I had to stop once for a peacock in the middle of the road and had to around a deer standing watching me coming. I was headed for the ferry and was trying to make time.
I noticed that most of the riders were older, closer to my age and riding higher end road bikes. Most were in the traditional spandex (remember spandex is a privilege not a right) shorts, cycling jerseys, bike shoes with clipless pedals, mostly look pedals and shoes, and of course helmets. Some were Shimano type clipless. Lots were wearing gloves and sun glasses, another good sign.
What I noticed, as a cycling Instructor and advocate for things cycling safety was the fact that only a hand full had lights, fewer had rear lights, and only a couple had bright tops. Only one was of the bright lime green, or any bright safety colour. they were riding in packs, I suspect a peloton.
With the shadows and narrower roads and drivers that aren't looking for cyclists this can cause a potential for disaster or worse.... as I see it.
Cars have day time running lights man dated for a good reason, so I believe that if you are riding your bike at anytime of the day or night or in any weather you should have your lights on and wearing reflective material that can be seen from a longer distance than a few meters. I like the idea of a few hundred meters !!!!
The other part of my thoughts that brought me to this point of PERSEPCTIVE was that we all see things differently, depending on where we are looking in from. I thought the riders this morning could've/should've been more safety conscious and dressed for the occasion. I am quite sure if you asked them they would tell you they were fine and because they were a large group/pack, they would be fine.
It is not my place to place blame or pass comment on an accident, that is not the point of this reference to this tragedy. I feel terrible for the young lad and his family. I hark back to the tragedy in the ride for Cancer a couple of months ago, just South of here in Washington State, in a cross border ride for Cancer. The lad that was riding behind a group, pulled out around them and appears to have either gotten close to or crossed the centre line, and was struck by a car coming in the other direction. The lad lost his life riding with family and friends for a very worthy cause, a true tragedy and a life that didn't need to be lost. I'm sure he did what he thought was right and what he was shown or had seen. when he went around the group.
These groups this morning I'm sure would say they have been riding for decades and never had a problem, and I can't argue with that, but the time can come at any time.
In the new CAN-BIKE material one of the studies we are quoting from is a study that says cyclists are likely to have a minor injury/accident every 3 years and a major accident once every 15 years. I have been involved in a major accident, a training accident and it was not pleasant.
Most accidents/injuries can be avoided. My accident/injury could've been avoided if the Instructor knew how to properly teach techniques, lets leave it at that shall we.
Perspective, it is all in how we look at the situation at hand and deal with it and or react to it.
I believe cycling safety is being prepared before the situation arises by using knowledge, ability and safety devices. A few well spent dollars for lights, reflectors, and vibrant coloured reflective clothing could be the difference between life and not being able to ride again... or worse.
Like I said perspective, that's how I see it.
Thanks for stopping by
Safe Ride Home,
Chuck
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