One might easily argue that a bike is a perfect means of transport, and with the current and planned developments, Edinburgh is set to become even more bike-friendly.
Unfortunately, bike theft is a common enemy of almost everyone who pedals their way through the city - and beyond.
An EdinburghLive Freedom of Information request to Police Scotland revealed Edinburgh areas with the highest rates of bike theft, based on the data from 2021.
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To start with, there were a total of 1117 incidents of bikes stolen in Edinburgh reported to the police that year.
When broken down by partial postcodes, it was revealed that the greatest number of reported bike thefts happened in Leith (EH6) - with 147 cases within a year.
The second-highest number of bike thefts in the capital was recorded in EH8 - which covers areas like Southside, Newington and Canongate, as well as Abbeyhill and Mountcastle - at 114 cases in 2021.
The partial postcode EH7 follows with 100 bike theft cases that year, making the northeast area of the capital an epicentre of bike theft.
In contrast, the least number of bike thefts reported in 2021 was for EH29 - which covers Kirkliston - with only one theft. Followed by EH28 - Newbridge and Ratho - and EH21 - Musselburgh, Wallyford, Whitecraig and Newcraighall - with two cases each.
You can find the whole list included in the report below:
EH1 - 66
EH2 - 26
EH3 - 96
EH4 - 66
EH5 - 39
EH6 - 147
EH7 - 100
EH8 - 114
EH9 - 64
EH10 - 56
EH11 - 91
EH12 - 52
EH13 - 5
EH14 - 26
EH15 - 55
EH16 - 84
EH17 - 15
EH21 - 2
EH28 - 2
EH29 - 1
EH30 - 10
There was no information provided on the postcodes that are not mentioned above.
Alan Nestor, Managing Director at Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, said: "As more people realise the great personal and environmental benefits of cycling, the profile has undoubtedly risen. A lot more people now know the fun, practical and economic benefits of cycling.
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"Unfortunately, an unwanted by-product of a higher profile and popularity is that bikes now appear to be more prone to theft. Increased values and desirability - particularly in relation to e-bikes - make bikes a potential target."
The popular bicycle shop has created a short guide to educate people on simple steps that riders can take to reduce the risk of losing their bikes to theft.
Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We realise the distress and inconvenience it causes to individuals when their bikes are stolen, and we continue to work hard with our partners to tackle this type of crime."
Police Scotland's website has a range of useful information on keeping your bike safe available here.
