The more technically complicated solution for thwarting bicycle thieves includes location-tracking mechanisms (or at least the stickers implying/threatening their presence) on a given bicycle. These are typically sported by Amsterdam’s small fleet of advertising bikes, which have a small advertising poster affixed to the negative space between the top tube, down tube, and seat tube.

A somewhat simpler solution comes as an ancillary benefit of painting one’s bicycle to set it apart from the sea of similar-looking black metal Dutch commuter bikes. Besides more easily distinguishing one’s bicycle from the rest of the pack, why would a thief take a bicycle that draws extra attention to itself when they can lift a bike that will blend in with the masses?