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Submitted by: Peter

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Bicycle safety and security in every country is different. When I cycled from Europe to Asia, I never locked my bicycle when I went into a grocery in small towns/villages. I tried to avoid the main big cities anyway but in the big cities I always locked the bike while leaving the the luggage on the bike. Of course I always take my valuables with me. With a bag on the handlebars that was easy. My bags are quick release Ortlieb bags. I have always a few extra straps with me to connect them a little tighter to the racks. This also prevents people to disconnect the bags too easy and I am never long away from the bike. In the 10 years I cycled from Europe to Asia and before that in Europe, I always did it that way. Never had any problem, nothing has been stolen. The only times my bicycles and things I left on the bike where stolen was in Amsterdam with some of my old rotten bikes. What can happen, and what will happen often is that locals, especially in poor areas come and watch and touch your bike. Many will not understand why you don't take the "more comfortable" bus or go by car. Many will be astonished to find out how heavy your bike is and will not believe you can cycle on it for 50,60,80-100 km a day. But theft is extremely rare. That said, do not give people the opportunity. When I go in a hotel, restaurant or shop to check the room, eat, buy something (here in Asia), I never lock the bike, but I do take the valuables. I would not don that in Amsterdam or Paris. But I did so in Chengdu, Guangzhou and even Hong Kong.

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