Metro News Release

For immediate release: October 26, 2004

Metro Transit Police Department Provides Bicycle Security Tips During Crime Prevention Month

The Metro Transit Police Department of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) would like to remind its customers who travel by bicycle to make sure they properly secure their bicycle prior to entering the Metrorail system.

"Properly locking bikes to bicycle racks will reduce the number of bicycles stolen,"said Metro Transit Police Sergeant Warren Donald, who also heads up the Rail Anti-Crime Target Squad (RATS).

The Metro Transit Police would like to remind its customers of the following safety tips when securing bicycles to the bike racks at Metrorail stations:

Most bicycles are stolen because they are not locked. ALWAYS lock a bike, even when it is in an enclosed area.

Consider where and how long your bicycle must be parked when deciding how to secure it.

If a bicycle must be parked outside, lock the frame and both wheels to an immovable object. Do not lock it to a sign or other objects that can be easily unbolted, bent, cut or removed. Choose a well traveled, lighted place; thieves don’t like working in exposed areas.

Take all easily removed accessories when leaving a bicycle unattended. Many lock manufacturers offer warranties that will cover the cost of replacement if a bicycle is stolen while using their lock.

In addition to racks, many Metrorail stations have bicycle storage lockers, so customers can ride to a station, leave their bicycle and take Metrorail.

Bicycle racks are available at no charge on a first-come, first-use basis. Most of the bicycle racks are a ’Rally Rack 3.’ To insure maximum safety, customers are encouraged to use a standard, medium-sized key padlock. Customers can then place the bicycle between the side bars, close the bars so that the prongs go through the frame, insert the lock through the hole in the center of the basket, then close the lock.

Metro also provides bicycle lockers, which are available to rent for $70 for one year plus a $10 key deposit. To rent a locker, customers should call Metro at 202-962-1116. All locker rentals are subject to availability.

"We encourage all of our customers to properly secure their bicycles at any one of our train stations," said Sergeant Donald. "Anytime something unusual or suspicious occurs in the Metro system, our customers should always seek out a uniformed Metro employee, or contact the Metro Transit Police 24-hour communications center at (202) 962-2121."

News release issued on October 26, 2004.