RockyMounts and the Grand Junction Police Department team up with CMU students, clubs, organizations and teams to prevent bicycle theft
Bike theft on college campuses is one of the most common issues universities across the country face every year, but one Grand Junction company is donating its time and resources to ensure Colorado Mesa University students’ bikes stay where they belong.
To prevent the crime of opportunity and to educate campus on bike security, CMU held a Bike Theft Prevention event this fall with the support of RockyMounts, who donated nearly $9,000 worth of locks to CMU.
"Bike locks are something that we all wish we did not need. Whether it is to school, work or the trails, a bike is always important to the owner. A lock you can trust is not just a necessity, as it can save something critical to you, but it should be something top of mind to all bike owners," said Joey Early, RockyMounts marketing manager.
The bike rack manufacturing company teamed up with CMU Cycling, the Outdoor Program and the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) to provide students with proper U-Locks bike locks and to offer bike theft prevention and maintenance tips and tricks. Officers from GJPD attended the event so students, faculty and staff could easily register their bikes in one of the most trafficked areas on campus. The registering of bikes helps GJPD locate the property in case of theft.
Most often bicycle thefts happen when the bike is unlocked, improperly locked or locked with inadequate locking devices such as chains or lightweight cables.
“Our focus at RockyMounts, outside of providing worry free transportation for folks, is the community we choose to call home. Our move to Grand Junction has not been without its troubles, but we have chosen the Western Slope as our base because of the opportunity here. CMU Cycling is at the heart of that opportunity, they have built a program that exceeds the norm and provides a grounding presence for those who look at Grand Junction from the outside. For us it is incredible to see that sort of attitude and dedication to something we hold so dear," said Early.
RockyMounts has been a big supporter of the CMU Cycling team, according to Head Cycling Coach Brian Flaherty, who gave kudos to their community engagement efforts with helping to develop youth programs and the sponsoring of events that raise awareness and funds for student-athletes.
“Our ability to stay connected to our industry partners and sport is invaluable as we navigate the ever changing ebb and flow of our sport,” said Flaherty.
Flaherty points out that in addition to their philanthropy work, RockyMounts also employs CMU alumni and former cycling student-athletes.
“Our partnership even in its infancy has provided benefits for both parties. RockyMounts campus initiative provides our entire student body with the opportunity to securely have a bike on campus and it’s only the beginning of how they plan to give back to the Grand Valley,” added Flaherty.
Members of the campus community are encouraged to register their bicycles with the GJPD (stop by the substation on campus or GJPD headquarters). Registration is free for students and greatly aids in the recovery of stolen bicycles and prosecution of the offender(s). It is recommended that good quality locks always be used to secure bicycles. If possible, storing bicycles inside a residence hall or apartment helps prevent them from being stolen.
