How to protect your bike from being stolen in Austria

Cycling is booming across Austria, but so is bike theft. Here’s what you need to know to keep your ride safe – from the best locks to where (and how) to park.

Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the countryside, or using your e-bike to cut down on car trips, one thing’s for sure: the last thing you want is to discover your bike has vanished.

Bicycle theft is common in Austrian cities, especially in busy areas like train stations, shopping centres, and university campuses. In 2023, a total of 18,566 bicycle thefts were reported in the country, up 10.4 percent from the year before.

But while there’s no foolproof way to stop thieves completely, you can do plenty to make your bike a much harder target.

Here are some of the tips from the Austrian Automobile and Mobility Club ÖAMTC to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Choose the right lock

A strong lock is your first and most important line of defence.

According to ÖAMTC experts, the best options are U-locks and so-called “armoured cable locks.” U-locks are rigid and inflexible and are not easy to break, while armoured cable locks are more flexible and can be long enough to attach both the frame and the rear wheel to a fixed object.

Avoid relying on the basic locks that come pre-installed on some bikes – these usually only secure a single wheel and can be defeated in seconds.

Similarly, traditional combination locks are easy targets for experienced thieves and shouldn’t be used on their own.

Double locks are even better

If you’re leaving your bike out in public for more than just a few minutes, consider using two different types of locks. That way, even if a thief is prepared to crack one type, they’re less likely to have the tools or expertise for both.

Even better: attach the frame and at least one wheel to a permanent object like a bike stand or pole. The goal is to make the bike as difficult to move or disassemble as possible.

Try a smart or NFC lock

For tech-savvy cyclists, newer “smart locks” or NFC (near-field communication) locks are also worth considering.

These lock and unlock automatically via a smartphone app; some even come with added features like alarm systems, GPS tracking, and solar charging.

While alarm systems can act as a deterrent, the ÖAMTC warns they can sometimes be easily disabled. Still, integrated tracking and locking features add extra layers of protection, especially for high-end bikes and e-bikes.

Park in the right place

How and where you park your bike makes a big difference. Thieves are far less likely to strike in busy, well-lit areas or places monitored by cameras.

If you’re storing your bike at home or work, lockable indoor spaces are best. In cities, look out for secure “bike boxes” or designated bike parking facilities, which are becoming more common in public areas.

ÖAMTC also recommends:

Always lock your bike – even for short stops
Using well-frequented parking spots that are visible and illuminated at night
Removing any valuables or easily detachable parts, like bike computers or panniers, when leaving the bike unattended

Consider registering your bike

Even if you do everything right, thefts can still happen. That’s why ÖAMTC recommends registering your bicycle in advance. Registration helps police and insurance providers identify stolen bikes and return them to their rightful owners.

Bike registration is available at ÖAMTC branches and online for members. You can also mark your bike with a special UV identifier to make it easier to track.

Get insurance for peace of mind

Bicycle insurance isn’t mandatory in Austria, but it could be a lifesaver if your bike is stolen. Some home insurance policies offer limited bike coverage, but you can also take out specific bike theft insurance. Depending on the policy, you may be reimbursed for the full replacement value or the current value of the bike.

How to protect your bike from being stolen in Austria

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