By Jennifer Reynolds
Staff Writer
For students that ride their bikes to California State University of Bakersfield, bike safety is an important issue. Marty Williamson, the Chief of Police, said “last year about a dozen bikes were stolen. This week we’ve had three bikes stolen from different areas of the campus”. Chief Williamson said that none of the suspects were students but the suspects came on the GET bus and rode off campus on the stolen bikes.
Chief Williamson said that, “we made four arrests last year” from people that stole bikes off the campus, and “were able to recover one bike”.
Chief Williamson also said that, “No bikes were stolen that used the U- bolt bike lock. The bikes that were stolen were not using U-bolt locks and the cables and chains were cut”. Chief Williamson had three suggestions for students about bike safety. “Use bike registration, It’s free; use U-bolt locks; and if you see anything suspicious by the bike racks call campus police. If anyone is loitering around the bike racks or if anything is unusual, do not wait to call”.
Chief Williamson also said, “We’ve had some success we just need for eyes around campus”. When asked about the safety of their bicycles at CSUB many students were not worried about bike theft. Freshman in Environmental Resource Management, Olivia Lemus said that she was “Not worried about bike theft at CSUB, because it is a small campus”. Lemus also said, “There are bike stations at almost every building that everyone can see”. Olivia says she rides her bike to school because she lives close to CSUB.
Freshman in Business Management, Jessica Velasquez, also said she was not worried about bike theft at CSUB. Velasquez said, “she uses her bike because it is easier to get to classes by riding
to each class.”
Sophomore in Computer Science, Chantha Proung’s, , strategy for bike safety is to “get a very cheap bike that no one would want to steal and get a decent lock”. He also knew of CSUB’s bike
registration program that would help in case of theft. Proung said he,” uses his bike for exercise and as transportation because it is free.”
On CSUB’s webpage, under their policies they state that they provide a free bicycle registration program for students. The page also gives students some pointers on bikes with “do’s and
don’ts” tips:
• “DO keep your bike locked at ALL TIMES.
• DO lock your bike in a well lit area.
• DO lock your bike to an object that is securely bolted or cemented to the ground such as a
bike rack or bike locker.
• DO position the lock with the key mechanism facing down.
• DO create a snug fit with the wheels and frame so that there is little room in the U-
portion of the lock for thieves tools.
• DO buy a U-LOCK type lock such as a KRYPTONITE brand.
• DON’T lock your bike to itself, or to objects that can be easily cut.
• DON’T lock your bike in the same area all the time.
• DON’T position the lock near the ground to prevent thieves from attempting to leverage or crush the lock.”
The page also provides pictures to help students lock up their bikes properly.
