The Dubai Metro has enhanced security monitoring on metro stations to curb bicycle thefts. Despite bicycle parking spaces allocated near metro stations, devious criminals still go about taking bicycles from Metro stations.

Rad G, a concerned citizen, spoke about the spate of thefts that has got cyclists on alert. “The thefts are often carried out by those who can appraise the cost of the bicycle and know their value.”

These thefts are carried out in a certain way: “They bring bolt cutters to remove the security lock of the bicycles. Where they end up is either a junkyard or in a box – to be shipped to the culprit’s home countries.” He also gives insight as to where these crimes take place. He cautions cyclists from areas such as Rigga, Naif and Burjuman.

To combat this, the RTA has implemented improved measures to bolster security. An official from the RTA said: “RTA provides resources and support to the concerned parties in case of theft incidents that may occur within the station perimeter. During the current year, security monitoring on the bicycle racks is enhanced near critical metro stations.”

Popular brands within the cycling community such as Dahon, Riese and Muller and Brompton are quite an investment. A Dahon brand bicycle in the UAE can cost up to AED 2,000, a Brompton bicycle on the other hand – which is handmade in London can set cyclists back by as much as AED 5,000 for a basic model. The amount goes up to AED 13,000 for a performance oriented model. Meanwhile, Dr Christopher Vicencio, a Riese & Muller owner in Dubai, said: “The standard Birdy model from Riese & Muller can cost as much as AED 6,000. That amount could go as high as AED 23,000 for limited edition models.”

Buying the bicycle itself is just the beginning of the story. Many cyclists go the extra mile to upgrade their bicycles. This include investing in lightweight parts to make the bicycle go faster, to cosmetic parts that depends on every single cyclists’ tastes. Upgrading could easily add north of AED 2,000 depending on the parts bought.