ScottCommutes

One aspect of biking vs. other popular means of getting around is the relative secrecy it affords. You can easily and legally buy a nondescript bike in cash on a street corner without giving your name. You don't need a license, or (generally) registration. There are no secret VIN numbers hidden on the bottom of any bike parts. Without license plates, optical scanners of that sort aren't tracking you. There's no national bike registry. There's no Onstar or any realistic possibility of satellite or terrestrial tracking of your whereabouts (unless you bring a phone!). Heck, you can even hide your face behind a helmet and visor/glasses and nobody would notice.

I suppose that anybody who really values secrecy (government agents, domestic violence victims, crooks, witness protection program, etc.) won't reply to this random thread. I just find it refreshing that in this day and age of "1984" being foisted upon us, the bike provides a welcome bit of privacy to "disappear" for a little while.

slow rollin

I must not care since I bring my phone with me on my rides, and it is telling someone where I am. Guess I could turn it off or remove the sim card but that's a load of work, and if someone wants to find me they can. I am 90% sure I bought vintage Italian iron from a pair of homeless druggies. Dirt in weird places, weird parts, missing wheels,etc. I do appreciate not having to pay the gov't 150 a year for a bike like my motorcycles require.
If I cared about secrecy I would wear my n95/cough mask and/or my construction getup everywhere. It's easy to blend in and not be suspected if you are wearing the right clothes.

13ollocks

oh boy…..🙄

tomato coupe

Okaaaay.

Maelochs

People who are imprisoned in their own minds ...

veganbikes

You are not legally buying a bike on the street corner those are called stolen bikes and the people that own them probably want them back! Bikes also do have serial numbers and good shops and good customers record them so when their bike does get stolen it can be looked out for and gotten back when the street corner salesperson takes it (or has a minion take it or whatever). Yes you can buy a bike from someone and it not be stolen but more than likely that fine street corner sales person is selling you a stolen bike unless you can verify they didn't steal it which can be hard to know.

In terms of privacy you have lost that in the digital age. If you think you are fooling yourself with "privacy" on a bicycle you are sorely mistaken. I do value privacy but know it is a long gone thing in this modern world. If you use social media or use the internet logging into things you are not private anymore. You can certainly take steps to protect yourself a bit but there is no true secrecy and privacy anymore.

Also if you do have a political topic there is a dedicated section for that.

tFUnK

Yeah I suppose. I mean, I can also get scooters, skate boards, roller skates used off of Craigslist. Secrecy is definitely not the primary reason I ride a bike.

indyfabz

So much for spring being here.

Troul 

only if/when nature calls.... butttt then i think most would prefer it too.

PeteHski

I don’t care about the secrecy of my bike rides, which are all logged on Strava anyway and my profile is public.

Jughed

I always have my face and arms covered (hide my tats) when outdoors - don't own a car or have a drivers license and only ride unregistered bikes that were purchased with cash.

Sincerely - Henry Hill.

Trakhak

No. But then I don't have an exaggerated sense of my own importance.

XxHaimBondxX

Somewhere in sunny California LarrySellerz kicking himself for not starting this one.

smd4

Paranoia may destroy ya.

seypat

I'm guessing the OP wears a bag over his head when out in public. Maybe views himself as Shinobi. Probably does Parkour also. Or, he could be living on the down low. Different strokes for different folks.

staehpj1

Why oh why didn't I pay cash for my bikes? I am sure pretty much any dealer would take cash and not insist on proof of identity.

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life, it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line
The man come and take you away

Chuck M 

For an added level of secrecy, these helmet liners will protect anyone concerned that 5G towers are interfacing with the electronic shifting big bike is pushing on the public.

Koyote

I think you need to have your medication adjusted.

vespasianus

Man, these boards have the greatest threads!

Reminds about this guy:

Trakhak

And let Big Pharma get their claws into him? Not likely.

CAT7RDR

Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves as biomarking software can track you too.
And, do not take any credit cards as RFID trackers will pin your location too!
Also, many cities have camera traps set up to track and identify you as well.
So what is it that requires the utmost secrecy?

BobbyG

...not if you work the Kinks out.

Kabuki12

Bikes also do have serial numbers


Not my 1975 Colnago , no serial # . It has been stealth since birth!

pdlamb

I have several bikes, and a couple of helmets, mix-and-match panniers (or none), and maybe two or three dozen jerseys.

Still, the crossing guards on my commute routes recognize me.

If you're serious about not being recognized, you're going to have to take things up a notch. Or many notches. Start charting your own routes. Never repeat a route, or part of a route -- this will be difficult near your home. You'll want to start charting what you wear, so your apparel periodicity is as long as you can make it. Do not wave, say hello to, or otherwise acknowledge other riders, drivers, or pedestrians. As noted, leave your cell phone at home. Do not upload any rides from a GPS to any web site or service.

And you're still going to be on every surveillance camera at every gas station and many businesses, and smart doorbells. If the people in black (or blue) are suspicious, they'll still find a way to track you. Better to live in the woods, like the guy who bombed the Atlanta Olympics and the Birmingham abortion clinic. But move around -- even he was eventually caught when the police started corrolating his appearances outside his hideout.

WaveyGravey

I believe you are referring to the solitude and peace and quiet while on a ride. My rides are Zen like experiences.