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Inverted-U rack, good lock will keep bikes secured

A recent news story cited efforts of the Durango Police Department to combat bicycle theft by using so-called “bait bikes.” These bikes are left unlocked and outfitted with a GPS tracker, the goal being to catch thieves in the act.

What gets downplayed is that bike theft is often a crime of opportunity. A more secure way that hinders theft is a secure bike rack, an inverted-U design, and a good quality lock. Most racks you see around town are old-style “school yard racks” (think jail bars) or the wave design.

Find an inverted-U rack and use a good quality lock to secure both wheels and the frame and you vastly improve the chances your bike will be there when you return. Such a proactive approach may also reduce the need for Durango police to expend resources fighting bike theft.

Seeing an opportunity to encourage residents and visitors to bike instead of drive, Durango Daybreak Rotary Club has launched its secure bike rack program. Under the program, any small business or nonprofit is eligible. When they buy an approved inverted-U rack and following a site survey, a Rotary team will install the rack for free. We have already installed racks at Manna soup kitchen, the Unitarian Universalist Church and the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, go to bike-durango.org or email rotaryracks@bike-durango.org.

Hunter McCleary

Durango