You may have cycled since confinement. And you are not alone. Cycle paths in France are two to three times more frequented than last year. But beware, with the increase in the number of cyclists in France, there is also an increase in flights. Thieves especially target new cyclists, who sometimes do not know how to properly secure their bikes.
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Bring chains and a padlock for the saddle
"I have been a Parisian for quite a few years, so I know there is a risk in theft of bikes," said Emmanuel, who discovers biking in the city. He started it on May 11, the day of deconfinement. Not knowing what to do to avoid theft, he sought out as many tricks as possible. "I bought a chain. I also chatted with friends who ride bikes and who advised me on padlocks for the saddle," says Emmanuel.
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Since deconfinement, there has been an increase in bicycle theft. A total of 871 were declared in Paris, not counting those which are not reported. Beginners are the most affected. Since May, Maxime, at the head of a specialized store in Paris, constantly answers the same question: how to properly attach his bike?
Use U locks, park your bike in a busy place, take out insurance
"U locks are the most resistant. When I fasten my bike outside, I always fasten it by the frame and the wheels. It's a habit to take," advises Maxime. Another tip, "it is useless to hide your bike because if you hide your bike, you hide the one who steals it too," he noted.
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According to Maxime, "the ideal is to put it in places where there is a lot of traffic, very large streets for example, or in front of vending machines because there are cameras". And one last piece of advice, always take out insurance, insists Maxime. In the event of theft, this allows at least to be reimbursed.