Jack Lackey is reporting in today's Fixer column in the Toronto Star that many of Toronto's famous "Post and Ring" style bike racks are easily removed.

"We checked yesterday and found one laying on the ground, but the rest appeared to be okay – until we pulled on one and found it could be hoisted out of its hole with almost no effort. Three posts were still in their holes in some inlaid brick, but not securely anchored."

Dan Egan, manager of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure at the City is apparently getting it fixed.

Cyclists: Please be careful when locking your bikes up. If you're locking to a bike rack (post and ring, or other style), make sure you: 1) Verify that it's securely anchored to the ground or other unmoveable object, 2) In good condition and not falling apart (some of the rings come loose!), and 3) Follow the usual "best practices" when locking your bike (use a good lock, park in a well-lit and trafficked area, lock as many parts of the bike as possible, etc.).

Bike theft won't go away any time soon, but let's at least make it more difficult for the thieves.

Image courtesy of the Toronto Star.