Free bike lock program aims to cut back on bike thefts on campus– but more people need to hear about it

Five months after the introduction of a bike lock program at University of New Brunswick, the big challenge is building awareness that the program exists.

In September of 2024 the University of New Brunswick Student Union and UNB Security began the Safe-Lock program. Safe-Lock allows UNB students to borrow high quality “U” locks free of charge—so long as they return them after use.

After five months in operation, both Des Dupuis, UNB Security’s Crime Prevention and Community Liaison Officer, and Drashtant Varma, UNBSU President, noted that the primary challenge facing the Safe-Lock is a lack of exposure—as many students are completely unaware of the program.

Dupuis emphasized that this program is more relevant than ever, even during the winter months, because both bike usage and bike thefts on the UNB campus have increased significantly over the past ten years.