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Mountain bikers, road cyclists, and casual riders all share a deep appreciation for the stunning views their bikes allow them to reach. For many bike packers, car campers, and RV travelers, taking their bikes along is a given. But this brings up one pressing concern: how do you protect your bike when it’s not actively in use? Whether you're bikepacking, car camping, or exploring via RV, theft remains the biggest threat to your trusty two-wheels. Understanding how to keep your bike safe while enjoying the outdoors is key to ensuring it stays with you through all your adventures.
Why is it important to keep your bike safe when it’s not in use? Often, venturing into the wilderness means leaving behind the security of garages or sheds that protect your belongings. Unlike urban areas, where you can lock up your gear and leave it safely, outdoor exploration demands extra vigilance. Even though remote campsites might seem safe, opportunistic bike thieves often keep a keen eye on popular spots. Therefore, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to guard your bike.
How can you keep your bike safe when it’s not in use? Thieves usually have a plan, but if that plan changes, they’ll adapt quickly if it means getting what they want. Using multiple security methods that consider their usual tactics is essential. You're essentially outsmarting them by creating a strategic bike security plan that leaves them frustrated and empty-handed.
One effective way to protect your bike is to create a physical barrier between it and potential thieves. Locking your bike inside your RV or vehicle is the safest option. If this isn’t possible, investing in a bike rack with added security features can help. For instance, you can use a chain to secure the bike to the hitch through the safety chain loop. Trucks offer several options for securing bikes; if you have a truck with a topper or tonneau cover, storing your bike in the locked bed is a great solution. If that’s not an option, side clamp racks attached to the bedside rails provide another layer of protection.
Always secure your bike to something immovable with a strong lock—even when inside a locked vehicle. Immovable objects are ones that can’t be easily lifted or carried away. Many vehicles that fit adult bikes do so by folding down the back seat to expose metal latches. These latches make ideal anchor points and require specialized tools for thieves to bypass. A sleeved hardened steel chain is flexible enough to wrap around even hard-to-reach anchors.
If storing your bike inside your vehicle isn’t feasible, consider using a bike rack bolted to the ground or set in concrete. Alternatively, you can install a carrier rack on your vehicle. In remote areas with only trees available as anchors, choose a sturdy one that will deter thieves. To learn more about different types of locks and securing your bike, check out our guide on preventing theft.
When traveling with your bike, it’s easy to overlook securing it, assuming no one would steal from a moving vehicle. However, even brief stops at rest areas, gas stations, or restaurants present opportunities for thieves. A thief can remove a bike from a rack and drive off in seconds. Developing the habit of locking your bike to the rack—or better yet, to something sturdier like the hitch safety chain loop or truck bed rail attachment point—will reduce your anxiety and ensure your bike stays with you.
Installing a tracking device on your bike is another smart move. Statistics show that around 185,000 bikes are reported stolen annually in the U.S., and if unreported thefts are included, the number skyrockets to nearly 1.7 million—a bike stolen every 30 seconds. A tracking device can help recover a stolen bike, especially if action is taken immediately. While it might seem tempting to try and recover your bike yourself, it’s best left to law enforcement.
GPS trackers use satellite signals to determine a bike’s location and are becoming increasingly common. These trackers are small, easy to use, and though affordable, can still be costly. They require regular charging and typically last up to eight days on one-minute reporting and up to 15 days on standby.
Alternative trackers like Apple AirTags and Tile Trackers use Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, relying on Bluetooth signals rather than satellites. They’re more budget-friendly and have longer battery lives but aren’t as precise or capable of real-time tracking. If your bike ends up in a remote location, a UWB tracker might not be useful.
Newer high-end electric bikes often come with built-in trackers that let you remotely lock, unlock, and deactivate the bike. However, this feature only works if the tracker is properly set up and paired with your phone, so don’t skip this step.
Despite your best efforts, your bike might still get damaged or stolen from a locked vehicle. Even with precautions in place, determined thieves may find ways to break in, using electronic hacking tools or prying open doors. Securing your bike to an immovable object within the vehicle, like the seat latches, can discourage thieves since cutting through a solid lock is challenging. Losing your bike despite your efforts can feel disheartening, but knowing how to respond can ease the situation.
In the unfortunate event of theft, document the crime thoroughly. Photos and videos of the crime scene, focusing on any signs of forced entry, are crucial. Avoid disturbing the scene by touching surfaces or moving objects that the thief might have handled. This helps preserve potential fingerprint evidence, which is valuable during investigations.
Next, file a police report. Although bike theft recovery rates are low—less than 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their owners—it’s important to report the theft. Only 20% of bike owners can prove ownership, so take photos of both sides of your bike and note the serial number, usually found under the bottom bracket. Keep receipts handy too; having proof of ownership makes the process smoother.
Even with precautions, accidents happen. Bicycle insurance provides peace of mind, especially from unexpected events like theft or damage. Velosurance, a trusted provider, offers customizable policies tailored to cyclists’ lifestyles. Whether you’re commuting or trail riding, Velosurance ensures your bike is repaired or replaced swiftly.
Our policies cover theft, accidental damage, crash damage, and vandalism. We also insure bikes in transit, whether on or inside a vehicle. To see how we compare to other providers, visit our bicycle insurance comparison page.
If you’re a Velosurance policyholder, filing a claim is straightforward. Provide a copy of the police report and any additional evidence, like photos or your account of the incident. Our team will guide you through the process to get your bike back on the road quickly.
Securing your bike is vital when exploring the outdoors. By combining multiple layers of protection and considering professional insurance, you can enjoy your rides with confidence.
June 18, 2025