The loop and lock

The simplest ideas are often the best – and you can’t get much simpler than the loop and lock.

Chains and padlocks are only really effective if there’s something to lock your bike to. However, if there’s nothing fixed around like a streetlamp, railing or signpost, this is the next best thing.

East Londoner Noel Curley has been employing this method to secure his bike for some time and thinks all bikers should be encouraged do the same.

So how does it work? Instead of just putting your security chain through your own back wheel, loop your chain through a neighbouring bike’s.

Noel said: ” This makes both your bike and the bike whose chain you are looping more secure. If the other bike leaves before you, he just unloops his chain from yours, and vice versa.

” It’s a lot harder to lift two bikes into a van than one. ”

Cost: If you’ve already got a security chain – which you almost certainly have – it won’t cost you a thing.