PSA: Always Check The Bike Rack!

[Matthew Williams]

Public service announcement: always check the rack or post to which you're locking your bike! 

When I went to lock my bike yesterday, the rack wobbled so I took a close look at where and how it was anchored to the concrete. Someone had loosened and removed the fasteners so the bike racks could be easily lifted off the concrete.

Whoever loosened the fasteners had planned ahead and left them finger-tight so the bike rack looked secure, and people locking their bikes would just think "Oh, the rack's just loose." This way, tools aren't required--just wait for someone to lock their bike, quickly unscrew the fasteners, lift the rack, and take the bike.

I showed the manager. "Who would do such a thing?" she asked.

"Bike thieves," I said.

This particular rack is at the Solano Avenue Safeway, in Albany, California.

(this is a repost, with better detail and explanation, and a G-rated title. Sorry!)