Bike theft disproportionally impacts the poorer in society
Imagine the theft of a child’s bike. Approximately 25% of bikes stolen belong to children. For teenagers a bike is a much-loved lifeline to independence and exploration. But these bikes are very rarely bought by pocket money. They’re a much-treasured Christmas or birthday present from loving parents or other family members. And so imagine the hurt caused to a child when they discover their bike has been taken.
Or consider the e-bike used by a courier or food delivery dispatch rider in a major city. In all likelihood it’s both his or her sole mode of transport, and something they are totally reliant on for their livelihood. Despite most likely having been the most expensive purchase they’ve ever made, due to the high premiums demanded it will probably not be insured and yet it will probably be left either outdoors or in a communal area on an evening. The impact on the owner’s livelihood would be devastating.
It's fair to say that sadly bike theft disproportionally impacts the poorer in society. Those who rely on a bike as their only mode of transport to get to work, or those who live in flats and are forced to leave their bike in a communal area on a night.
Economic Impact
For the victim there’s the cost of replacing the bike. Even if the bike was insured the excess on the policy can still be significant, and of course premiums always increase after someone has been the victim of crime.
Then there’s the increased cost of transportation. Victims may be forced to use public transport or taxis. In lots of cases though where the victim lives in an area with limited public transport the loss of a bike can significantly limit mobility. Ultimately however the theft of a bike may result in victims having to make significant changes to their lifestyle.
Anxiety around bike theft
Even the threat of bike theft can create feelings of anxiety and fear, especially for those who are heavily reliant on their bikes. In theUS 80% of cyclists report anxiety about leaving their bikes to the extent that they actively use other modes of transport rather than leave their bikes at a destination they consider insecure.
The anxiety around bike theft also leads to cyclists often purchasing cheaper bikes. They understand that a desirable bike is more likely to be stolen and so choose a cheaper bike. Money is in effect left on the table and bike manufacturers are missing a huge opportunity.
The Vélo Unique Smart Seat
Imagine being able to cycle and leave your bike any where without having to worry about it being stolen. How many more children would cycle to school, how many more people would cycle to work on a morning, how many more people would take up cycling as a hobby?
The Vélo Unique Smart SeatTM is designed so that once a seat is removed the bike becomes worthless to a thief as only a seat post with the corresponding unique protrusions and recesses can be fitted.
Who would steal a bike you can’t fit a seat to??
