Bicycle Safety and Theft Prevention

Safety

Buy a helmet and use it!
Wear your helmet properly. A good helmet should fit snugly and not be able to slide off the front or back of your head. Replace any helmet that has been in a crash.
Lights and reflectors are required at night. They help you see and help others see you. Make sure your bike has reflectors on all sides.
When crossing a street in a crosswalk or riding on university sidewalks, you must be traveling at pedestrian speeds (less than 5 mph). Give motorists a chance to see you and stop before you cross.
Use a bike bell to warn upcoming pedestrians and other bicyclists.
Ride defensively and signal your actions.

At RIT a good lock is more important that a good bike! Protect your investment with a quality U-lock, not a cable lock.
Always lock your bike, even if you're only gone for a minute. The majority of stolen bikes either weren't locked or had a cable lock.
Only lock your bike to bicycle racks. Thieves look for lone bikes in secluded areas.
Use a cable lock in addition to a U-lock to secure your wheels and seat. Use it only as a secondary lock.
Consider getting a "beater" bike for on campus use. A good thief will break through any lock given enough time. Having a bike just for commuting can save you the heartbreak and headache of losing a valuable bike.