PPB, PBOT Encourage Bike Registration

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More than 2 million bikes are stolen annually in North America, equating to a bike stolen every 30 seconds and an estimated $2 billion in total losses. This has social consequences too, with an estimated 1/3 of victims refraining from cycling again. With only 448 thefts logged locally on 529 Garage in 2025-and studies showing that less than 20% of bike thefts are ever formally reported-the actual number of stolen bikes in metro Portland easily exceeds 2,000 annually.

What can you do to protect your bike and promote bike security?

1. Register your bike for free today so we can get it back to you when it's found! Less than 1% of bikes are registered. If we don't know you own your found bike, we can't get it back to you!
2. Always lock your bike using a high-quality U-lock, chain lock, or folding lock positioned low on the frame. Never rely on a cable lock as your bike's primary security.
3. Keep your bike inside your residence, if possible, as garages, sheds, and bike security rooms are frequently targeted by thieves.
4. If you have an e-bike, remove the battery when you store or lock it.
5. If you buy a bike online, always ask to see the serial # and check it in 529 Garage. If the seller shows any hesitation, it's likely a stolen bike and walk away.

Sadly, between 2020 and 2025 in the city of Portland and surrounding areas, bike registrations and reported recoveries in 529 Garage dropped by 46% and 43%, respectively.

You can register your bike on the Project 529 website. Or, if you prefer, we can assist you to register your bike if you go to our bike registration page. There you can also find out how to get a free protective bike shield! It's an identification decal with a unique code that can be added to your bike's 529 Garage registration. It provides a visible indication that the bike is registered to help deter theft and gives police another way to connect the bike with its registration record.

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