Preventing Bicycle Theft
Albany has a significant bike theft problem. Bikes are valuable, portable and easy to resell, making them attractive to thieves. By taking some precautions, you can lower the odds that you’ll be the victim of a stolen bike.
- Lock your bike at all times, no matter how short of time you will be leaving it. Make sure the lock is attached to the frame of the bicycle. Invest in a solid U-bolt style lock. You should expect to pay $40 or more for a quality lock. Cheap ones can be easily defeated. Some U-locks come with insurance that will pay you if the lock is overcome and the bike is stolen. You can add additional locks to secure wheels and other parts. The best message…”Buy a cheap bike and an expensive lock!”
- If possible, keep your bicycle indoors when not in use. If you must park it outside, lock it to a secure object and in a well-lit, high traffic area.
- If your bike is stolen, report it as soon as possible.
Register Your Bike
Registering your bike records detailed information about your bicycle in case your bicycle is later stolen. This information will be essential in recovering your bicycle and returning it to you.
Tips for Bicycle Safety
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) provides extensive information regarding bicycle safety and regulations. ODOT Bicycle Safety
Bike Helmets
ORS 814.485 Failure to wear protective headgear
(1) A person commits the offense of failure of a bicycle operator or rider to wear protective headgear if the person is under 16 years of age, operates or rides on a bicycle on a highway or premises open to the public and is not wearing protective headgear of a type approved under ORS 815.052.
(2) The offense described in this section, failure of a bicycle operator or rider to wear protective headgear, is a traffic infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $72.00.
ORS 814.488 Citations; exemption from requirement to pay fine
(1) If a child in violation of ORS 814.485 is 11 years of age or younger, any citation issued shall be issued to the parent, legal guardian or person with legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of the child for violation of ORS 814.486, rather than to the child for violation of ORS 814.485.
(2) If a child in violation of ORS 814.485 to 814.486 is at least 12 years of age and is under 16 years of age, a citation may be issued to the child for violation of ORS 814.485 or to the parent, legal guardian or person with legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of the child for violation ORS 814.486, but not to both.
