Question for cyclist

slim_photographer

I want to start doing my own biathlon. Cycling and running.
I would like to get to some point near wash dc, lock my bike and then do some running in the city.
I have fears of getting my bike stolen or vandalized in any way?

For regular cyclist can I expect my bike to be safe overall? And what does it mean when parked bikes have no seats? Do owners remove the seats or have they been stolen?

I just want to be a little more prepared.
Thank you.

slim_photographer

I guess everybody must be riding right now : \

kaylarachellee

I would never leave my bike!! Maybe start from your car, do a out and back, and then lock your bike up in your car and then go running! lol

bunnysone

I ride and run and I live in Sydney, where I imagine has the same kind of problems that Washington does.

Normally I run from home out around the tracks near me, then return home and pick up the bike to ride.

Sydney councils have put bike lockers around the city, I think many of them are used on a rental basis

However in Melbourne they have set up a BRILLIANT commuter plan - there are racks of bikes in various locations that are all available for hire similarly to shopping trolleys, you just put the money in, one is released and you ride it to the next location and park it! Absolutely brilliant, you don't need to worry about taking it back to point A. I don't think it will take long for Sydney to get that!!

chivalryder

If you're riding anything more than a Mal Wart bike, then I would choose an alternative to locking up your bike (like keeping it in your car, or home). If you have a flashy bike, and someone wants it, there's nothing that will stop him/her from taking it.

As for the seats not being on the bike - most people take them off when they lock up the bike. Either that, or it's been stolen.

wilson1134

Yes, that means they are trying to keep it safe. However, bike seats aren't anything compared to what a thief could get for a $3-10K bike!! I agree with the pp, for a duathlon, you typically run-bike-run. Bike first then load your bike and take off on your run.

CrystalFlury

I can answer one of your questions. A bike without a seat is just a safety thing--to make sure it doesn't get stolen. At least that what we did in college. Even if they did get the bike they'd have no way to ride it away comfortably without the seat. I don't know what it's like around Washington, D.C., I've heard it's higher crime there. I'd consider asking some locals. Find a bike club and get in with them on where to go etc for riding.

chivalryder

However in Melbourne they have set up a BRILLIANT commuter plan - there are racks of bikes in various locations that are all available for hire similarly to shopping trolleys, you just put the money in, one is released and you ride it to the next location and park it! Absolutely brilliant, you don't need to worry about taking it back to point A. I don't think it will take long for Sydney to get that!!

Only problem with that plan - in Aus. - is the mandatory helmet laws.

bunnysone

However in Melbourne they have set up a BRILLIANT commuter plan - there are racks of bikes in various locations that are all available for hire similarly to shopping trolleys, you just put the money in, one is released and you ride it to the next location and park it! Absolutely brilliant, you don't need to worry about taking it back to point A. I don't think it will take long for Sydney to get that!!

Only problem with that plan - in Aus. - is the mandatory helmet laws.

It's not hard to put a helmet in a backpack if you intend to take a bike. I would NEVER consider riding without a helmet. I ride on both roads and mountainbike - my husband rides mtb marathons and has had a few big accidents, one of which he would not have survived without a helmet.

There are too many risks in Sydney traffic to even consider not wearing head protection, it astounds me how many people make that decision and try and compete with it without a helmet.

Marvalm3

Make sure to use a U-Lock. The NYC ones by Kryptonite are tougher than the average lock to get through.

Topsking2010

Being from DC, I must admit I am offended by stating your biking could be vandalized in DC. First,if you want to train for a duathlon, then maybe you should run first and bike second.

Also there are bikes you can rent for a very cheap price in downtown DC. For details checkout capital rideshare.com

lisapr123

I know of a few places around here that offer a bike check, unofficially. Contact a bike shop or an area business you frequent and ask if it's possible to store your bike while you run. I've done it in my small town in the suburbs of Chicago, and at a couple places in downtown Chicago. Small businesses are best for this. Some hotels do it too, or bicycle-friendly businesses. I've never had a problem.

slim_photographer

I ride and run and I live in Sydney, where I imagine has the same kind of problems that Washington does.

Normally I run from home out around the tracks near me, then return home and pick up the bike to ride.

Sydney councils have put bike lockers around the city, I think many of them are used on a rental basis

However in Melbourne they have set up a BRILLIANT commuter plan - there are racks of bikes in various locations that are all available for hire similarly to shopping trolleys, you just put the money in, one is released and you ride it to the next location and park it! Absolutely brilliant, you don't need to worry about taking it back to point A. I don't think it will take long for Sydney to get that!!

We have that bike service here but the bikes don't seem all that comfortable. Thanks for your input

slim_photographer

Being from DC, I must admit I am offended by stating your biking could be vandalized in DC. First,if you want to train for a duathlon, then maybe you should run first and bike second.

Also there are bikes you can rent for a very cheap price in downtown DC. For details checkout capital rideshare.com

Your're kidding right. I don't think it's a high crime area but I don't want to lose my baby. I'm sure you just don't leave your car open or your house anyway. I like DC very much. I just genuinely had a question.

slim_photographer

I know of a few places around here that offer a bike check, unofficially. Contact a bike shop or an area business you frequent and ask if it's possible to store your bike while you run. I've done it in my small town in the suburbs of Chicago, and at a couple places in downtown Chicago. Small businesses are best for this. Some hotels do it too, or bicycle-friendly businesses. I've never had a problem.

This is probably the best idea. Then the bike is always on sight. Thank you.