Two new bike compounds are helping protect bicycles at Sacramento State.

The additional compounds installed on campus, staffed with community service officers, are credited with the decrease in bicycle thefts.

“It was November that we had 15 bike thefts that month and in January we had five,” said Police Chief Mark Iwasa.

Even though the two secured bike compounds located near the AIRC building and Capistrano Hall are staffed with community service officers during school hours, students still risk bike theft if left unattended overnight.

“During the manned hours, when we have a CSO or staff, we have never had a bike theft,” said Iwasa. “We have had a couple when people left them there overnight, but during staffed time, we have had none. That’s a big statement because bike theft is still the predominant crime on campus.”

Iwasa also said there is a plan to build a bike compound in conjunction with the new Residence Hall at Lot 2.

“When people go through the trouble for using alternative transportation, they should have some confidence that their bike won’t be stolen,” said Iwasa.

Cindy Her, 19, is a CSO at the AIRC bike compound and said an additional bicycle compound would be a good addition to campus.

“I haven’t seen any bikes locked on trees or poles this semester, which means that people are using the bike compounds more,” said Her.

She also said the new bicycle parking racks seem to be more eco-friendly with its new design. There is less metal used and plastic guards preventing scratches on bikes, something the old bike compound did not have.

Students also like the new compounds because they are safer, according to Her.

“They feel secure having someone watching over their bike,” said Her. “Because of these bike compounds this semester, bike thefts are decreasing and it’s working.”

In addition to the new bike compounds, Her said she likes the new bike lane markings because it makes it safer for student pedestrians.

Jared Paulin, 20, is also a CSO and said students are utilizing the compounds.

“Even when I’m getting off at 10 p.m., there are still bikes in here,” said Paulin. “It takes less space out of the main one, because that one has been less crowded lately. Students can usually park their bikes closer to their classrooms now.”