Security Mechanisms as a Behavioural Response to Perceived Risk: The Case of Bicycle Parking in the Centre of Ljubljana

Literature on fear of crime suggests that the assessment of victimization risk is associated with concern about crime, which in turn influences individuals’ behavioural responses. Bicycle thefts in Ljubljana represent a relatively common form of property crime; therefore, this study examined whether the perceived likelihood of crime is reflected in the use of protective measures when parking bicycles in the city centre. A field study based on systematic observation was conducted along predetermined routes on 9 March 2026. In total, more than 1,000 bicycles were recorded. The results show that most bicycles were middle-aged or older models, and that women’s bicycles were more common, while electric bicycles were rare. Most bicycles were locked, predominantly by securing the frame and wheel to a bicycle stand. The findings indicate a widespread use of protective measures reflecting the perceived risk of theft and confirm the importance of behavioural responses within situational crime prevention.