Is it ethical to loosen the brakes / handlebars when locking a bike so that a thief might have an accident?

Answer 1

No it's not ethical. It's wrong.

It might be funny though.

Answer 2

Of course its not ethical - but since the police don't do anything about bicycle thefts you should be allowed to use every deterrent in your power. It's a bit like whether or not one is allowed to shoot a burglar?
I've had 6 bikes stolen in as many years - in the most recent incident the thief gave up trying to break the lock so simply smashed the bike up instead.
Is it ethical to wire my bike to the mains?
Or fit special razor grips?
if you are a bike thief i hope you get run over by a filthy polluting HGV during your next getaway you scumbag.

Answer 3

Yes, a lot of people's cars have niggly faults that only the driver knows how to cope with; why not artificially simulate your own faults on your bike so that the bugger who steals your bike has a nasty accident.

Try disconnecting the brakes or undoing the QR on the wheels so that the wheels can fall out. Perhaps even loosen the stem so that the bars turn and the forks don't!

Answer 4

At the end of the day, if you got on your bike and didn't check that it was all in good, sound, working order but you then discovered that the handlebars were loose and fell off it, it would be your fault for not doing the initial checks before riding it. If a thief steals your bike and doesn't carry out the same checks before riding off, then surely he's put himself (or herself) in that position so you should have a clear conscience. Go for it....and let someone try to PROVE that you did it deliberately!

Answer 5

I like my bike.
It will be much better for the thief to fall on his head because of the loose handlebar etc.. than me getting my hands on the thief....
If i get my hands on anyone trying to steal my bike, there will be consequences....

I suggest you loosen the brakes, handlebar, skewers, seat, but then someone has to steal the bike, otherwise you waste your time loosening everything on your bike :)

Answer 6

Although I can certainly emphatize with the idea, in the US or Canada you'd be held liable for 'intent to harm'. If you don't already have a U-lock, get one. With the longer ones, you can lock through your front wheel AND frame. If you're bike is really expensive, get a second U-lock and lock up the back wheel also. Remember, with bicycle thieves, it's a cost/benefit analysis: If your bike is harder to steal than someone else's, unless it's vastly more expensive, they'll leave your bike alone for another that's less secured.

Answer 7

Ha, ha. "Do unto others before they can do to you."

Did you see Men in White the other week when they made a bike with backwards steering as a deterrent to thieves?

The only bike I ever had nicked didn't have any brakes and I do hope the thief found that out halfway down a big hill.

Answer 8

Ethics aside this fails to adress the fact that a large number of the cycles stolen NEVER get ridden before they get parted out..the theives frequently throw bikes into a lorrie or ride off carrying them while on another bike...in some places they just clip the cables and make off with your fork and bars/controls- to avoid this try to patronize buisnesses that let you bring it in ,goto the farmers market..has anybody got their bike nicked while it was locked when they were shopping at bumblebee(camden)? I doubt it.also don't leave it out at night..good luck park safe let BIKE-PA(not karma) take care of the bike theives..that and old bill...

Answer 9

Do you know how fast is it to thighen those Brakes back ? a bike thief only needs one minute to take your bike. and a bike thief knows about bikes, they are not stupid LOL,

its a good idea but seriously, to much trouble and a hassle to dirty those pretty hands of yours. Get your self a good lock and insure your bike if you worry about it so much. Cheers.

Answer 10

It is unethical because the punishment could far exceed the crime. If you could assure a good scare and a few bruises that would seem reasonable.

In any event, for the effort you could disable the bike. Here in the States it's usually a joy ride or they want parts - you'd only hurt the Joy riders and the parts thieves are the ones who deserve harsh punishment!

Answer 11

Definitely as they are only asking for an accident by not checking those things before making their getaway. Just be careful that YOU don't take a nasty fall because bike accidents can be very painful.