What to Do If Your Bike is Stolen: A Guide for Cyclists

1. Don’t Panic 

First things first, try to stay calm. Losing your bike can be frustrating, but panicking won’t help the situation. Take a deep breath and let’s get started on resolving this. 

2. Report It 

Time is of the essence when it comes to reporting a stolen bike. Contact your local police station and file a theft report. Make sure to provide as much detail as possible about your bicycle, including its make, model, colour, value and any unique identifying features. If you have the serial number, provide that too – it can greatly increase the chances of recovering it. 

3. Spread the Word 

Share the news of your stolen bike on social media like local Facebook Groups and Instagram Stories and encourage people to share your post. The more people who know about it, the higher the chance someone might spot it and alert you or the police. 

 4. Check Online

Marketplaces Sadly, stolen bikes often end up being transported across the country to be sold online. Keep an eye on websites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes thieves aren’t very imaginative about where they sell their loot. Findthatbike.com has an up to date list of bikes listed for sale across Gumtree and Ebay – it’s a good idea to check this.

5. Contact Local Bike Shops

If you have the time, you could reach out to bike shops in your area and inform them about your stolen bike. Provide them with a description and ask them to keep an eye out for anyone trying to sell a similar bike. This brings us to a crucial point – having the right insurance for your bicycle before it’s stolen.

Why is cycle insurance important?
If you’re a regular cyclist, it’s essential to protect your bicycle, just like you would your car. With the right insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that if the worst does happen, you’re financially covered.

– Financial Protection: If your bike is stolen and you have locked it up correctly, Bikmo’s Triathlon Ireland insurance can cover the cost of replacing it, saving you from a financial setback.
– Consider investing in a reliable lock: Unsure about which locks provide optimal security? Explore our blog post highlighting the top tips for locking your bike.
– Check your home insurance policy: Home insurance excesses can mean it’s not worth claiming for your losses, and there’s often an ‘abandonment clause’ that classifies bikes as abandoned after only a few hours cycling away from home. Our advice is prevention is better than cure. Bikmo Triathlon Ireland cycle insurance can cover against:
– Theft and accidental damage of your bike(s)
– Event cover including Triathlons
– Kit and accessories including Tri Suits and GPS devices

Plus, Triathlon Ireland members benefit from a 7.5%* discount on full policies and save 50%* when insuring additional bikes in your household, with the lowest value benefitting from the discount.