Keep your bike safe at UNSW

Bike thefts can happen on campus, unfortunately, so it's important to take the right steps to protect your property.

Published on the 23 June 2026

Students riding bikes in Centennial Park

Bike theft at UNSW? That's a thing?

Unfortunately, yes, bike theft at UNSW is indeed a thing.

Our Kensington campus is incredibly easy to get to and around by bike. To support those who are keen to cycle into UNSW, the University provides a range of cycling facilities to support students who ride to campus, including around 1000 bike spaces, a secure bike hub, multiple shower facilities and drinking fountains.

However, safety and security at UNSW is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play in contributing the safety of the UNSW community. By taking the proper steps and precautions to protect your property, you can help significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Your safety is our priority and in the spirit of UNSW's ongoing safety culture message – Think Safe - Be Safe - Home Safe – we're encouraging everyone in our community to stay aware, act safely and support one another on campus.

Cycling to UNSW

How to keep your bike safe on campus

If you plan on cycling to campus, we encourage you to do the following to keep your bike safe:

Always use a strong D-lock to secure your bike (avoid cable locks where possible).
Lock your bike to designated racks only, securing both the frame and wheel.
Consider using the Barker Street Bike Store or other secure parking options for added protection.
Avoid leaving your bike in the same location for extended periods.
Report suspicious or unsafe behaviour immediately.

The SafeZone App

For direct access to the UNSW Security Operations Centre, prompt notifications regarding safety issues in your vicinity and personalised emergency assistance without delay, please download the SafeZone app. In the event of an emergency, the app allows you to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team who will be able to get the right assistance to you.

The SafeZone app also has features such as:

Check-in timer: Inform Security if studying alone or late at night, and they will keep an eye on you.
Real-time notifications: In the event of a serious incident posing a risk to the university community, SafeZone can notify you instantly through push notifications, SMS, or email.
Emergency button: Press the button in case of any emergency.
First aid assistance: Press the first aid button for initial medical support.
Speak up: Report any suspicious activity, concerns or maintenance issues (such as damaged racks, lighting faults or access concerns).

Download SafeZone app

Reporting concerns and getting help

If you notice anything unusual, suspicious or out of place, please report it immediately to Protective Services. They operate 24 hours a day and can assist with safety concerns, suspicious behaviour and emergency situations across campus. Here are their contact details:

Emergency: 9385 6666
General assistance: 9385 6000
For immediate emergencies, always call triple zero (000).

By staying alert, reporting concerns early and looking out for one another, we're all contributing towards keeping our campuses safe and welcoming for everyone.

Report an incident