Vous voulez une version française de cette publication ? Rendez-vous ici.

We launched 529 Detective back in November. Now we’re announcing 529 Protect, available in the US, with other regions to follow. We don’t love using this newsletter for product announcements, but we believe in what we’ve built, and we wanted you to hear about it directly.

Our mission has always been to keep people on their bikes. Theft stops that, not just because the bike is gone, but because the habit goes with it. Protect is our way of closing that gap; real support, active recovery and a bike recovery warranty to provide you with a replacement bike up to $3000 to keep you cycling.

Finally, a membership that acts like a good neighbor

The other day my friend Andrew locked his Brompton outside a stadium and came back to find the lock had been tampered with.

Someone had stuffed paper and glue into the keyhole. It didn’t feel random. It felt deliberate—a way of keeping the bike where it was, until someone could come back later with the right tools.

Andrew didn’t want to leave it there. The police told him there wasn’t anything they could do, so he babysat the Brompton while the neighbor he’d gone to the game with ran to a nearby hardware store to buy a cordless angle grinder.

Even that turned into a whole thing. The staff got suspicious when he insisted on leaving with a fully charged battery. Back outside the stadium, they cut through the lock in less than 30 seconds—and not a single passerby even looked up.

It was a sobering reminder of how easy it’s become to defeat a lock. Quiet cordless cutting tools are easy to buy, easy to carry, and brutally effective. And online marketplaces make it easy to turn a stolen bike into cash, fast.

A US study estimated 2.4 million adult bikes are stolen each year, worth roughly $1.4 billion.

Thieves have adapted. Most riders haven’t had a chance to. It’s why we’ve launched 529 Protect: a first-of-its-kind membership that bundles deterrence, active online detection, verified selling tools, real human support, and a replacement promise of up to $3,000 if we can't find your bike.

It costs $11/month, or $120/year. Call it three coffees a month. Worth it for the peace of mind.

It’s a good-neighbor kind of membership: it shows up when you need it, with real help to get things sorted.

Learn more about 529 Protect

Of course, there are already ways to fight bike theft: bike registration, deterrents, community alerts, online searching. In fact, we already provide some of that through 529 Garage and 529 Detective, both of which are included in 529 Protect.

The problem is nothing works every time, and the gaps are where thieves win.

529 Protect fills in the missing pieces. It’s where the community and the tools finally work together, because we’re stronger together than any single feature on its own.

So what does that look like in real life?

Your bike’s online profile

With 529 Protect, 529 Garage bike registration is included, so your bike has a digital identity you can share with police and the community if it’s stolen. You also get the 529 Shield—a visible identifier that can make the difference between “a bike the police recovered” and “a bike the police recovered and can return to its rightful owner.” And because your bike’s details are on file, you’ll also get recall alerts if a safety issue is identified.

A personal private investigator

Stolen bikes do show up online. The hard part is you don’t have the time, or the mental energy, to sit there refreshing listings for days, or even weeks.

529 Protect comes with 529 Detective, which automatically monitors online marketplaces for stolen bikes that match yours. The recovery window can be short: listings appear, disappear, and get reposted. Parts get swapped. Photos get cropped.

Detective takes that load off your shoulders, and is proven to find stolen bikes.

A safer way to buy and sell

Bike theft isn’t only a theft problem. It’s a resale problem.

That’s why 529 Protect includes our verified marketplace and a verified badge; so you can buy and sell bikes with the confidence that they are not stolen. If you’ve ever bought a bike secondhand, you’ll know the tension: great deals exist, and so do listings that feel…off.

Verification won’t clean up the internet overnight. But it gives honest sellers a way to stand out, and buyers a safer place to start.

Real support, when you need it

After a theft, you don’t need more admin. You need someone who can help you take the next step.

529 Protect also gives you concierge support by phone or email (9am–6pm CT, Monday to Friday), plus 24/7 support via chat.

The part that matters most

If your bike isn’t found after the recovery period (30 days), 529 Protect steps in with a bike recovery warranty that replaces your bike up to $3,000.

The goal is to keep you riding even if recovery doesn’t happen. Because theft doesn’t just steal the bike. It steals the habit.

A 2024 peer-reviewed study found 45% of theft victims reduced or stopped cycling after their bike was stolen.

Rob Brunt, a former police officer and Project 529’s Chief Outreach Officer, puts it simply:

“My mission has always been to prevent bike theft. But if your bike gets stolen, 529 Protect provides the system to aid in recovery and replacement to keep you cycling.”

Set it up while everything’s fine so you’re not starting from scratch when it isn’t.

What’s included

• $3,000 bike recovery warranty

• Bike registration in 529 Garage

• 529 Shield

• 529 Detective (marketplace monitoring)

• Marketplace for verified sales

• Verified sellers badge on our Marketplace

• Bike recall alerts

• Concierge support
  

Get your 529 Protect membership

Availability note: 529 Protect is currently available in the US only. If you’re outside the US and you’d like it where you live, let us know in the comments.

Nous avons lancé 529 Detective en novembre dernier. Aujourd’hui, nous annonçons 529 Protect, offert pour l’instant aux États-Unis, avec d’autres régions à venir. Nous n’aimons pas particulièrement utiliser cette infolettre pour faire des annonces de produits, mais nous croyons profondément en ce que nous avons bâti et nous voulions que vous l’appreniez directement de nous.

Notre mission a toujours été de garder les gens sur leur vélo. Le vol y met fin — pas seulement parce que le vélo disparaît, mais parce que l’habitude disparaît avec lui. Protect est notre façon de combler cet écart : un soutien réel, une récupération active et une garantie de récupération de vélo offrant un remplacement jusqu’à 3 000 $, pour vous permettre de continuer à rouler.

Enfin, une adhésion qui agit comme un bon voisin

L’autre jour, mon ami Andrew a verrouillé son Brompton à l’extérieur d’un stade. À son retour, il a constaté que la serrure avait été trafiquée.

Quelqu’un avait bourré le cylindre de papier et de colle. Ça ne semblait pas aléatoire. Ça semblait intentionnel — une façon de garder le vélo sur place jusqu’à ce que quelqu’un revienne plus tard avec les bons outils.

Andrew ne voulait pas le laisser là. La police lui a dit qu’il n’y avait rien à faire, alors il a gardé le Brompton pendant que le voisin avec qui il assistait au match courait à une quincaillerie toute proche pour acheter une meuleuse d’angle sans fil.

Même ça s’est compliqué. Le personnel est devenu méfiant quand il a insisté pour repartir avec une batterie entièrement chargée. De retour devant le stade, ils ont coupé le cadenas en moins de 30 secondes — et pas un seul passant n’a levé les yeux.

Un rappel brutal à quel point il est devenu facile de vaincre un cadenas. Les outils de coupe sans fil, silencieux, sont faciles à acheter, faciles à transporter et terriblement efficaces. Et les places de marché en ligne permettent de transformer rapidement un vélo volé en argent comptant.

Une étude américaine estime que 2,4 millions de vélos d’adultes sont volés chaque année, pour une valeur d’environ 1,4 milliard de dollars.

Les voleurs se sont adaptés. La plupart des cyclistes n’en ont pas encore eu la chance. C’est pourquoi nous avons lancé 529 Protect : une adhésion unique en son genre qui regroupe des mesures de dissuasion, une détection active en ligne, des outils de vente vérifiés, un véritable soutien humain et une promesse de remplacement allant jusqu’à 3 000 $ si nous ne retrouvons pas votre vélo.

Le coût est de 11 $ par mois ou 120 $ par année. L’équivalent de trois cafés par mois. Un petit prix pour la tranquillité d’esprit.

C’est une adhésion « bon voisin » : elle est là quand vous en avez besoin, avec une aide concrète pour régler les choses.

En savoir plus sur 529 Protect

Bien sûr, il existe déjà des moyens de lutter contre le vol de vélos : l’enregistrement, les mesures de dissuasion, les alertes communautaires, la recherche en ligne. D’ailleurs, nous offrons déjà une partie de tout ça avec 529 Garage et 529 Detective — tous deux inclus dans 529 Protect.

Le problème, c’est que rien ne fonctionne à tout coup, et ce sont dans ces failles que les voleurs gagnent.

529 Protect comble les pièces manquantes. C’est là où la communauté et les outils travaillent enfin ensemble — parce que nous sommes plus forts ensemble que n’importe quelle fonctionnalité prise isolément.

Alors, concrètement, à quoi ça ressemble ?

Le profil en ligne de votre vélo

Avec 529 Protect, l’enregistrement de vélo dans 529 Garage est inclus : votre vélo a donc une identité numérique que vous pouvez partager avec la police et la communauté s’il est volé. Vous recevez aussi le 529 Shield — un identifiant visible qui peut faire toute la différence entre « un vélo récupéré par la police » et « un vélo récupéré et rendu à son propriétaire légitime ». Et comme les informations de votre vélo sont enregistrées, vous recevrez aussi des avis de rappel en cas de problème de sécurité.

Un enquêteur privé personnel

Les vélos volés apparaissent bel et bien en ligne. Le plus difficile, c’est que vous n’avez ni le temps ni l’énergie mentale de rafraîchir des annonces pendant des jours — voire des semaines.

529 Protect inclut 529 Detective, qui surveille automatiquement les places de marché en ligne à la recherche de vélos volés correspondant au vôtre. La fenêtre de récupération peut être courte : les annonces apparaissent, disparaissent, puis réapparaissent. Les pièces sont échangées. Les photos sont recadrées.

Detective enlève ce fardeau de vos épaules — et il a fait ses preuves pour retrouver des vélos volés.

Une façon plus sûre d’acheter et de vendre

Le vol de vélos n’est pas seulement un problème de vol. C’est aussi un problème de revente.

C’est pourquoi 529 Protect inclut notre place de marché vérifiée et un badge de vendeur vérifié : pour que vous puissiez acheter et vendre des vélos en toute confiance, en sachant qu’ils ne sont pas volés. Si vous avez déjà acheté un vélo d’occasion, vous connaissez cette tension : il y a de très bonnes affaires… et des annonces qui semblent, disons… douteuses.

La vérification ne nettoiera pas Internet du jour au lendemain. Mais elle permet aux vendeurs honnêtes de se démarquer et offre aux acheteurs un point de départ plus sûr.

Un vrai soutien, quand ça compte

Après un vol, vous n’avez pas besoin de plus de paperasse. Vous avez besoin de quelqu’un pour vous aider à passer à l’étape suivante.

529 Protect vous donne accès à un service de conciergerie par téléphone ou par courriel (de 9 h à 18 h, heure du Centre, du lundi au vendredi), ainsi qu’à un soutien par clavardage 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7.

La partie la plus importante

Si votre vélo n’est pas retrouvé après la période de récupération (30 jours), 529 Protect intervient avec une garantie de récupération qui remplace votre vélo jusqu’à concurrence de 3 000 $.

L’objectif est de vous garder en selle même si la récupération n’aboutit pas. Parce que le vol ne vole pas seulement le vélo — il vole l’habitude.

Une étude évaluée par les pairs en 2024 a révélé que 45 % des victimes de vol ont réduit ou cessé de faire du vélo après le vol.

Rob Brunt, ancien policier et chef des relations communautaires chez Project 529, le résume simplement :

« Ma mission a toujours été de prévenir le vol de vélos. Mais si votre vélo est volé, 529 Protect offre le système nécessaire pour aider à la récupération et au remplacement afin de vous garder en mouvement. »

Mettez-le en place quand tout va bien, pour ne pas repartir de zéro quand ce ne sera plus le cas.

Ce qui est inclus

• Garantie de récupération de vélo jusqu’à 3 000 $

• Enregistrement du vélo dans 529 Garage

• 529 Shield

• 529 Detective (surveillance des places de marché)

• Place de marché pour ventes vérifiées

• Badge de vendeur vérifié sur notre place de marché

• Avis de rappel de vélo

• Soutien de conciergerie
  

  Obtenez votre adhésion à 529 Protect

Disponibilité : 529 Protect est actuellement offert uniquement aux États-Unis. Si vous êtes à l’extérieur des États-Unis et que vous aimeriez y avoir accès dans votre région, dites-le-nous dans les commentaires.

Vous voulez une version française de cette publication ? Rendez-vous ici.

When Mackenzie Becker’s cargo e-bike was stolen, it wasn’t just transport that disappeared—it was a daily ride for her, her partner, their young child, and the family pug.

Many of us know that feeling. A stolen bike is more than a missing possession—it disrupts mobility, routine, and the everyday travel families rely on.

Mackenzie filed a police report, started an alert in 529 Garage, and did what most of us would do—scrolled through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp. Nothing. Then she tried something new: 529 Detective.

“I used the Detective feature from 529 and FOUND MY BIKE!!! It was being sold in a different town with some of the components removed—they took our Thule Yepp seat, the deckpad, and our front basket. The police were able to assist us!!”
— Mackenzie Becker, Oct 31, 2025

At Project 529, we hear stories like this every day. The details differ, but the pattern is the same: stolen bikes often appear quickly on online resale platforms.

The problem: more stolen bikes than police can realistically track

Officers we work with see the scale of bike theft every day. Stolen bikes appear on multiple online marketplaces within hours. Listings move quickly, parts are swapped, and bikes can be sold long before anyone has time to detect them.

Law enforcement simply can’t monitor the volume of posts appearing online. The burden of searching—unfairly—often falls on the victim.

Why online resale is such a powerful outlet for stolen goods

Online marketplaces have become major destinations for stolen property—not just bikes but electronics, tools, and everything in between—because they’re built around convenience, not verification.

Independent investigations estimate that more than $500 billion in stolen or counterfeit goods flows through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay each year. It’s not all bikes—far from it—but the scale matters. Police agencies across North America report that these sites have almost no built-in anti-theft safeguards: they don’t require serial numbers or proof of ownership, they don’t check listings against stolen-property databases, and cooperation with officers is often limited.

As Det. Paul Dolbey of the Portland Police Bureau said in an ABC News investigation, Craigslist had essentially become “the ultimate pawn shop,” because high-value items can be listed with almost no scrutiny.

This lack of verification is a major reason stolen bikes blend into legitimate listings so easily.

What 529 has seen behind the scenes

Years ago, we gathered more than 50,000 signatures asking Craigslist and eBay to introduce basic protections like serial-number fields and stolen-bike checks. They didn’t take action.

Elsewhere, regulators are beginning to take a harder line. In Taiwan, for example, authorities recently fined Meta for failing to remove fraudulent ads on Facebook, signalling a shift toward holding platforms accountable when their systems enable scams. We’d welcome similar responsibility from the large marketplaces where stolen bikes routinely appear.

Every week, riders in our community email us saying they’ve spotted their stolen bike online—and in most cases, the platform does little to help.

That’s why we partner with platforms like sprocket.bike, which verifies serial numbers against the 529 registry before a listing goes live. It shows that marketplaces can take theft seriously—they just rarely do.

What thousands of real recovery stories reveal

Because riders report recoveries back to us, we see patterns others can’t. From more than 2,200 recovery stories, clear patterns emerged in how stolen bikes are found. A significant share begins with a listing that may only be online briefly—sometimes just minutes.

How stolen bikes are recovered

Based on more than 2,200 Project 529 recovery stories reported by riders across North America. Percentages represent the primary recovery pathway.

You told us what you needed—so we built it

When we surveyed our community, the message was clear. Ninety-three percent of you said automated marketplace scanning would make the biggest difference after a theft.

So that’s what we built. 529 Detective is a direct response to what you asked for—a tool designed to take some of the burden off riders when they need support most.

What riders want after a theft

Project 529 community survey (n = 2,287). A combined 93.6% of riders expressed interest in automated marketplace scanning to help locate stolen bikes.

Why stolen bikes vanish into the noise

Independent analyses estimate that more than $500 billion in stolen or counterfeit goods flows through online marketplaces each year. It’s not all bikes—but it’s the environment stolen bikes move through.

For comparison, the entire North American bicycle market is worth roughly $10 billion annually (NBDA & Deloitte). In other words: The online resale economy is roughly 50× larger than the legitimate bike market.

This mismatch helps explain why stolen bikes can be so difficult to trace.

Scale: the online stolen-goods economy vs the bicycle market

A visual comparison showing why stolen bikes disappear into the noise online. OECD/EUIPO estimate the global counterfeit/stolen-goods economy at roughly $500B annually—nearly 50× the value of the entire North American bicycle market (~$10B).

A smarter way to search

Until now, searching for a stolen bike meant hours of scrolling and hoping. Thieves move fast, listings move faster, and the chances of recovery drop as time passes.

Once a bike is reported stolen, 529 Detective continuously scans major resale marketplaces across the US and Canada, comparing listings with your bike’s photos and details. It shows potential matches in a single dashboard, updates you daily, and makes it simple to filter results and share promising leads with police.

A one-time fee covers six months of active scanning—no subscription required.

Why we built Detective

529 Detective didn’t begin as a product idea—it came from the real-world frustrations we saw in policing and in our own lives.

Before joining Project 529, Rob Brunt, now our Chief Outreach Officer, spent years with the Vancouver Police Department. He remembers rooms full of recovered bikes with no way to link them to owners. Registration through 529 Garage solved part of that problem. Detective tackles the other half: finding the bike in the first place.

The personal side has always been just as clear. Years ago, one of our co-founders had his bike stolen and spent days searching online listings with friends until they finally found it—an effort that ultimately uncovered a larger fencing operation. Later, a break-in at founder and CEO Lara Ferroni’s home reinforced the same reality. Among the items taken was a retirement watch belonging to her husband’s grandfather. She and her husband spent weeks searching online until they spotted some of the stolen items. Police recovered part of what was taken, but the process was long and draining.

These experiences matched what thousands of riders have told us: stolen items do appear online—but finding them is exhausting and time-consuming. Detective was built so riders wouldn’t have to make that search alone.

Already finding bikes

Within days of launching, 529 Detective began surfacing matches that volunteers might have taken hours or days to spot. Some appeared within minutes.

Every recovery has a real impact—kids returning to their school rides, commuters getting back to daily trips, and fewer stolen bikes circulating online.

What 529 Detective does

529 Detective is the tool riders have been asking for: an automated search partner that watches the resale world so you don’t have to.

It scans major marketplaces across the US and Canada, compares new listings with your bike’s photos and details, and flags anything that looks suspicious—all in one simple dashboard.

In short: Detective does the time-consuming work most riders and officers can’t realistically take on, working continuously for six months on a single activation, and giving stolen bikes a far better chance of being found.

Fighting bike crime together

Detective builds on what already makes the 529 ecosystem strong: riders who register their bikes, volunteers who keep an eye out, and officers who act on leads. Now that vigilance extends into the online world—where many stolen bikes appear first.

As Lara puts it:

“Recovery is possible, and we’re all part of the solution. Technology helps, but it’s powered by people.”

We’re working to reduce the distance between a theft and a recovery.

How to find my stolen bike

529 Detective helps you find your stolen bike. Put Detective to work for you here.

Lorsque le vélo cargo électrique de Mackenzie Becker a été volé, ce n’est pas seulement un moyen de transport qui a disparu — c’était le trajet quotidien pour elle, son partenaire, leur jeune enfant… et le carlin de la famille.

Beaucoup d’entre nous connaissent ce sentiment. Un vélo volé, ce n’est pas juste un objet qu’on perd — cela bouleverse la mobilité, la routine, et les déplacements quotidiens sur lesquels les familles comptent.

Mackenzie a déposé un rapport de police, lancé une alerte dans 529 Garage, et fait ce que la plupart d’entre nous ferait : faire défiler les annonces sur Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace et OfferUp. Rien. Puis elle a essayé quelque chose de nouveau : 529 Detective.

“J’ai utilisé la fonction Detective de 529 et J’AI RETROUVÉ MON VÉLO !!! Il était en vente dans une autre ville, avec certains composants retirés — ils avaient enlevé notre siège Thule Yepp, le coussin arrière et notre panier avant. La police a pu nous aider !!”
— Mackenzie Becker, Oct 31, 2025

Chez Project 529, nous entendons des histoires comme celle-ci tous les jours. Les détails changent, mais le schéma est le même : les vélos volés apparaissent souvent rapidement sur des plateformes de revente en ligne.

Le problème : plus de vélos volés que ce que la police peut raisonnablement suivre

Les agents de police avec qui nous collaborons constatent chaque jour l’ampleur du vol de vélos. Les vélos volés apparaissent sur plusieurs plateformes en ligne en quelques heures. Les annonces changent rapidement, les pièces sont remplacées, et les vélos peuvent être vendus avant que quiconque ait le temps de les repérer.

Les forces de l’ordre ne peuvent tout simplement pas surveiller le volume d’annonces publiées en ligne. Le fardeau de la recherche — injustement — repose souvent sur la victime.

Pourquoi la revente en ligne est un canal si puissant pour les biens volés

Les marketplaces en ligne sont devenues des destinations majeures pour la revente de biens volés — pas seulement les vélos, mais aussi l’électronique, les outils, et bien plus — car elles sont conçues pour la commodité, pas pour la vérification.

Des enquêtes indépendantes estiment que plus de 500 milliards de dollars de biens volés ou contrefaits circulent chaque année sur des plateformes comme Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, et eBay.

Les services de police rapportent que ces sites ont peu de protections contre le vol : pas de numéro de série requis, pas de vérification de la propriété, aucune comparaison avec des bases de données d’objets volés, et une coopération limitée avec les forces de l’ordre.

Comme l’a dit le détective Paul Dolbey du Portland Police Bureau dans une enquête d’ABC News, Craigslist est devenu « le pawnshop ultime », car des objets de valeur y sont listés avec presque aucune vérification.

Ce que 529 a constaté en coulisses

Il y a des années, nous avons recueilli plus de 50 000 signatures demandant à Craigslist et eBay d’ajouter des protections de base comme des champs pour les numéros de série et des vérifications contre les vélos volés. Aucune mesure n’a été prise.

Ailleurs, les régulateurs commencent à adopter une ligne plus stricte. À Taïwan par exemple, les autorités ont récemment infligé une amende à Meta pour ne pas avoir supprimé des publicités frauduleuses sur Facebook.

Chaque semaine, des cyclistes nous envoient des courriels pour nous dire qu’ils ont retrouvé leur vélo volé en ligne — et dans la majorité des cas, la plateforme n’aide pas.

C’est pourquoi nous collaborons avec des plateformes comme sprocket.bike, qui vérifie les numéros de série via le registre 529 avant qu’une annonce ne soit publiée. Cela montre que c’est possible — mais que cela reste rare.

Ce que des milliers d’histoires de récupération révèlent

Grâce aux retours des cyclistes, nous voyons apparaître des schémas que d’autres ne peuvent pas détecter. Sur plus de 2 200 récits de récupération, une part importante commence par une annonce qui peut n’être en ligne que brièvement — parfois juste quelques minutes.

Comment les vélos volés sont récupérés

Basé sur plus de 2 200 histoires de récupération rapportées par des cyclistes partout en Amérique du Nord via Project 529. Les pourcentages représentent la principale méthode de récupération.

Vous nous avez dit ce dont vous aviez besoin — alors nous l’avons construit

Quand nous avons interrogé notre communauté, le message était clair. 93 % des participants ont dit que la surveillance automatisée des marketplaces ferait la plus grande différence après un vol.

C’est exactement ce que nous avons fait. 529 Detective est une réponse directe à votre demande — un outil conçu pour alléger le fardeau des cyclistes quand ils ont le plus besoin d’aide.

Ce que les cyclistes souhaitent après un vol

Au total, 93,6 % des cyclistes ont exprimé un intérêt pour la surveillance automatisée des plateformes de revente afin d’aider à retrouver les vélos volés.

Pourquoi les vélos volés disparaissent dans la masse

Des analyses indépendantes estiment que plus de 500 milliards de dollars en biens volés ou contrefaits circulent chaque année sur les marchés en ligne. Il ne s’agit pas uniquement de vélos — mais c’est bien dans cet environnement que les vélos volés circulent.

À titre de comparaison, l’ensemble du marché nord-américain du vélo est évalué à environ 10 milliards de dollars par an (NBDA et Deloitte). Autrement dit, l’économie de la revente en ligne est environ 50 fois plus grande que le marché légitime du vélo.

Ce déséquilibre aide à comprendre pourquoi il est si difficile de retrouver des vélos volés.

Échelle : l’économie des biens volés en ligne vs le marché du vélo

Une comparaison visuelle montrant pourquoi les vélos volés se perdent dans le bruit en ligne.

L’OCDE et l’EUIPO estiment que l’économie mondiale des biens contrefaits ou volés atteint environ 500 milliards de dollars par an — soit près de 50 fois la valeur du marché nord-américain du vélo (environ 10 milliards de dollars).

Une façon plus intelligente de chercher

Jusqu’à maintenant, chercher un vélo volé voulait dire passer des heures à faire défiler des annonces en espérant le retrouver. Les voleurs agissent vite, les annonces disparaissent encore plus vite, et les chances de récupération diminuent avec le temps.

Une fois que votre vélo est déclaré volé, 529 Detective analyse en continu les principales plateformes de revente au Canada et aux États-Unis, en comparant les annonces aux photos et aux détails de votre vélo. Vous voyez les correspondances possibles sur un tableau de bord simple, recevez des mises à jour quotidiennes, et pouvez facilement filtrer les résultats ou partager les pistes prometteuses avec la police.

Un paiement unique couvre six mois de recherche active – aucun abonnement requis.

Pourquoi nous avons créé Detective

529 Detective n’a pas commencé comme une simple idée de produit — il est né des frustrations bien réelles que nous avons observées dans le travail policier et dans nos propres vies.

Avant de rejoindre Project 529, Rob Brunt, aujourd’hui notre chef des relations communautaires, a passé plusieurs années au sein du service de police de Vancouver. Il se souvient de pièces remplies de vélos récupérés, sans aucun moyen de les relier à leurs propriétaires. L’enregistrement via 529 Garage a résolu une partie du problème. Detective s’attaque à l’autre moitié : retrouver le vélo dès le départ.

Le côté personnel a toujours été tout aussi évident. Il y a plusieurs années, l’un de nos cofondateurs s’est fait voler son vélo et a passé des jours à fouiller les annonces en ligne avec des amis, jusqu’à ce qu’ils le retrouvent enfin — une recherche qui a d’ailleurs permis de découvrir une opération de recel bien plus vaste. Plus tard, un cambriolage au domicile de notre fondatrice et PDG Lara Ferroni a renforcé cette même réalité. Parmi les objets volés se trouvait une montre de retraite appartenant au grand-père de son mari. Elle et son mari ont passé des semaines à chercher en ligne, jusqu’à ce qu’ils aperçoivent certains des articles volés. La police a réussi à récupérer une partie des objets, mais le processus a été long et épuisant.

Ces expériences font écho à ce que des milliers de cyclistes nous ont raconté : les objets volés réapparaissent souvent en ligne — mais les retrouver demande énormément de temps et d’énergie. Detective a été conçu pour que les cyclistes n’aient plus à mener cette recherche seuls.

Déjà des vélos retrouvés

Dès les premiers jours après le lancement, 529 Detective a permis d’identifier des correspondances qui auraient pu prendre des heures aux bénévoles.

Chaque vélo retrouvé a un impact réel — des enfants qui peuvent retourner à l’école, des navetteurs qui reprennent leurs trajets, et moins de vélos volés qui circulent.

Ce que fait 529 Detective

529 Detective est l’outil que les cyclistes attendaient : un partenaire de recherche automatisé qui surveille le marché de la revente à votre place.

Il analyse les principales plateformes de vente aux États-Unis et au Canada, compare les nouvelles annonces avec les photos et les détails de votre vélo, et signale tout ce qui semble suspect — le tout depuis un tableau de bord simple et intuitif.

En résumé : Detective prend en charge le travail long et fastidieux que la plupart des cyclistes (et même les policiers) ne peuvent pas faire eux-mêmes. Il fonctionne sans interruption pendant six mois avec une seule activation, offrant ainsi aux vélos volés une bien meilleure chance d’être retrouvés.

Luttons ensemble contre le vol de vélos

Detective s’appuie sur ce qui fait déjà la force de l’écosystème 529 : les cyclistes qui enregistrent leur vélo, les bénévoles qui restent vigilants, et les policiers qui suivent les pistes. Désormais, cette vigilance s’étend aussi au monde en ligne — là où de nombreux vélos volés réapparaissent en premier.

Comme le dit Lara :

“La récupération est possible, et nous faisons tous partie de la solution. La technologie aide — mais ce sont les gens qui la font fonctionner.”

Nous travaillons à réduire la distance entre un vol et une récupération.

Comment retrouver mon vélo volé

529 Detective vous aide à retrouver votre vélo volé. Mettez Detective à votre service ici.

Vous cherchez la version française ?

Welcome to all our new members – and a personal message from Rob Brunt

This year, more than 40,000 new cyclists have joined the Project 529 movement. Whether you’re brand new or one of our long-time champions, thank you for being part of a growing community that’s proving bike theft can be beaten.

To kick things off, we’ve got a short video message from our Chief Outreach Officer Rob Brunt, recorded on a video call from Colorado. Rob’s a former Vancouver cop who’s seen first-hand how bike registration transforms outcomes on the street.

Feel free to share this post — the more of us using Project 529, the stronger the network becomes.

How stolen bikes find their way home

The 529 Shield is often the final piece of the puzzle - first, the bike has to be found. Sometimes it’s as quick as the police running a spot check. Other times, it's an AirTag, a tip-off, or sheer good luck. We analysed over 2,200 real recovery stories and the results show just how powerful community, tech, and awareness can be when it comes to getting bikes reunited with their rightful owners.

33% of recoveries mention the police.

16% of recovery notes include use of trackers.

15% of users mention bikes found on online marketplaces, like Facebook or Craigslist.

11% were helped by good Samaritans spotting stolen bikes and speaking up.

And in some cases, it was just pure luck - bikes abandoned after thieves spotted a tracker or 529 Shield and realizing they’d taken on more trouble than it was worth.

Each case is a reminder: bike recovery isn’t just possible - it happens every day. And your registration, your 529 Shield, and your vigilance all play a part.

Got your own recovery story? We’d love to hear it - leave a comment below and maybe we’ll feature it in a future edition.

Why the Shield matters

Reported data from over 35,000 theft cases suggests that bikes with a 529 Shield are, on average, recovered 2.1 times more often than those without. In some states, the difference is even higher. As one rider put it: “The Shield made all the difference - police could identify my bike immediately and I got it back within 48 hours.” When it comes to getting your bike back, visibility matters.

Already Shielded your ride? Awesome - drop a comment and tell us where you’re riding from. We’re curious: who’s our farthest 529 Shielded member from Vancouver?

Want a shield? Order online or find a store near you.

When plan A fails, have a plan B

Criminals don’t play by the rules, so sometimes even the best anti-theft strategy can come up short - and that’s where bike insurance comes in. We’ve teamed up with Sundays, a company built by riders, for riders.

Their coverage includes everything from e-bikes to custom builds, and it doesn’t just stop at theft. If someone tries (and fails) to steal your bike and causes damage, you’re covered. There's also other benefits like travel coverage and accidental coverage - the good stuff that makes you feel looked after.

Sundays Insurance is available in Australia, Canada (not currently available in Quebec), the UK, and the US - and getting a quote takes less than a minute.

Learn more at Sundays

Lock it or lose it

One of the simplest theft-prevention tactics is still one of the most effective: a decent lock, used well.

To help with that, we run a loaner-lock program through partner businesses - offering solid, easy-to-borrow locks for those quick stops when you’re caught out without one.

Not sure if your technique is up to scratch? Our friends at Sundays have put together an excellent ultimate guide to locking your bike.

Got your own tried-and-tested locking method? Let us know in the comments below - we’d love to feature your tip in the next issue.

Goodbye keys, hello high-tech bike locks

When’s the last time you checked out what’s new in bike locks? Designs haven’t stood still - there’s now a new generation of electronic models available. Take the YARDO: it unlocks with a quick touch and can recognise the fingerprint of up to 20 different users, making it ideal if you share a bike with family or friends. No keys, no codes, no fuss.

As a Project 529 member in USA or Canada, you can get a 20% discount on a wide range of locks, including the YARDO.

Subscriber offer has now ended.

Shop USA

Shop Canada

We’ve updated the website (and it’s a good excuse to check on your bikes)

We’d all rather be riding than doing admin, but if you haven’t checked whether all your bikes are registered (or added that new one you got last month), now’s a great time. We’ve just given our registration process a tune-up - it only takes a couple of minutes to make sure everything’s up to date.

Check in at Project 529

Thanks again for riding with us.

Whether you joined yesterday or years ago, you're now part of something bigger.

The Project 529 Team

Cette année, plus de 40 000 nouveaux cyclistes ont rejoint le mouvement Project 529. Que vous soyez tout nouveau ou un champion de longue date, merci de faire partie d’une communauté grandissante qui prouve que le vol de vélo peut être combattu.

Pour commencer, nous avons un court message vidéo de notre directeur de la mobilisation, Rob Brunt, enregistré lors d’un appel vidéo depuis le Colorado. Rob est un ancien policier de Vancouver qui a vu de ses propres yeux comment l’enregistrement des vélos change la donne sur le terrain.

(Rob parle seulement anglais, donc cette vidéo sera en anglais.)

N’hésitez pas à partager ce message — plus nous sommes nombreux à utiliser Project 529, plus notre réseau devient puissant.

Comment les vélos volés retrouvent leur chemin

Le 529 Shield est souvent la dernière pièce du casse-tête – mais d’abord, il faut retrouver le vélo. Parfois, c’est aussi rapide qu’un contrôle routier de la police. D’autres fois, c’est grâce à un AirTag, un tuyau, ou un simple coup de chance.

Nous avons analysé plus de 2 200 vraies histoires de récupération, et les résultats montrent à quel point la communauté, la technologie et la sensibilisation peuvent faire toute la différence pour réunir les vélos avec leurs vrais propriétaires.

• 33 % des récupérations mentionnent la police.

• 16 % des notes de récupération indiquent l’utilisation de traceurs.

• 15 % des utilisateurs disent avoir retrouvé leur vélo sur des sites de revente comme Facebook ou Craigslist.

• 11 % ont reçu l’aide de bons samaritains qui ont repéré des vélos volés et pris la parole.

Et dans certains cas, ce n’était que du pur hasard — des vélos abandonnés par les voleurs après avoir repéré un traceur ou un 529 Shield, réalisant qu’ils avaient embarqué dans plus d’ennuis que prévu.

Chaque histoire est un rappel : retrouver un vélo volé, ce n’est pas un rêve — c’est une réalité quotidienne. Et votre enregistrement, votre 529 Shield, ainsi que votre vigilance, y contribuent grandement.

Vous avez votre propre histoire de récupération ? On aimerait bien la lire — laissez un commentaire ci-dessous, et on pourrait la mettre en vedette dans une prochaine édition.

Pourquoi le Shield est essentiel

Les données recueillies dans plus de 35 000 cas de vol indiquent que les vélos munis d’un 529 Shield sont en moyenne 2,1 fois plus souvent retrouvés que ceux qui n’en ont pas. Dans certaines provinces, la différence est encore plus marquée. Comme l’a dit un cycliste :

Comme l’a dit un cycliste :

« Le Shield a tout changé — la police a pu identifier mon vélo immédiatement, et je l’ai récupéré en moins de 48 heures. »

Quand il s’agit de récupérer votre vélo, la visibilité, ça compte.

Déjà protégé avec un 529 Shield ? Parfait — laissez-nous un commentaire et dites-nous d’où vous roulez. On se demande : qui est notre membre le plus éloigné de Vancouver avec un 529 Shield ?

Tu veux un Shield? Commande en ligne ou trouve un magasin près de chez toi.

Attachez-le ou perdez-le

L’une des tactiques les plus simples pour prévenir le vol reste l’une des plus efficaces : un bon cadenas, bien utilisé.

Pour vous aider, nous offrons un programme de prêt de cadenas via nos partenaires — des cadenas solides, faciles à emprunter pour les petits arrêts quand vous n’avez rien sous la main.

Pas sûr que votre technique soit au point ? Nos amis chez Sundays ont préparé un excellent guide ultime pour bien verrouiller votre vélo.

Vous avez une méthode de verrouillage testée et approuvée ? Dites-le-nous dans les commentaires ci-dessous — on aimerait beaucoup mettre votre astuce en vedette dans notre prochaine édition.

Adieu les clés, bonjour les cadenas intelligents

Quand avez-vous vérifié pour la dernière fois les nouveautés en matière de cadenas de vélo ? Les designs ont beaucoup évolué — il existe maintenant une nouvelle génération de modèles électroniques. Prenez le YARDO : il se déverrouille d’un simple toucher et peut reconnaître l’empreinte digitale de jusqu’à 20 utilisateurs différents, ce qui le rend parfait si vous partagez votre vélo avec la famille ou des amis. Pas de clés, pas de codes, aucun tracas.

En tant que membre de Project 529 aux États-Unis ou au Canada, vous pouvez profiter d’un rabais de 20 % sur une large gamme de cadenas, y compris le YARDO.

L'offre d'abonnement est désormais terminée.

Shop USA

Shop Canada

On a mis à jour notre site (et c’est une bonne excuse pour vérifier vos vélos)

On préférerait tous être en train de rouler plutôt que de faire de l’administratif, mais si vous n’avez pas encore vérifié si tous vos vélos sont bien enregistrés (ou ajouté celui que vous avez acheté le mois dernier), c’est le moment idéal. On vient tout juste d’améliorer notre processus d’enregistrement — cela prend seulement quelques minutes pour s’assurer que tout est à jour.

Connectez-vous sur Project 529

Merci encore de rouler avec nous.

Que vous nous ayez rejoints hier ou il y a plusieurs années, vous faites maintenant partie de quelque chose de plus grand.

The Project 529 Team

Give feedback

It’ll take less than a minute, and your feedback will help shape what we build next.

Ce mois-ci, nous voulions vous faire entendre Rob Brunt, le détective vélo de 529. Rob est un vétéran des forces de l’ordre avec 30 ans de service au sein de la police de Vancouver. Il a joué un rôle clé dans le lancement du programme 529 pour lutter contre le vol de vélos en pleine expansion à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique. Cela fait maintenant 10 ans, et depuis le lancement de 529, les vols de vélos signalés à Vancouver ont diminué de plus de 60 %.

Nous avons demandé à Rob de partager quelques conseils pratiques tirés de ses années d’expérience dans le domaine du maintien de l’ordre, de la sécurité et de la récupération des vélos.

Quelle est la tendance la plus surprenante que vous avez observée récemment en matière de vol de vélos, et que peuvent faire les cyclistes pour se protéger ?

Les gens pensent que la plupart des vélos sont volés dans la rue, mais en réalité, un grand nombre sont dérobés lors d’effractions… dans des garages, des unités de stockage, voire à l’intérieur des domiciles. Lorsqu’un vélo est volé dans un endroit que son propriétaire considère comme sécurisé, il est bien moins susceptible de l’attacher, même s’il a un antivol sous la main. Mon conseil est donc d’attacher votre vélo en toute circonstance, même chez vous. Si vous n’avez pas de support pour l’attacher, vous pouvez simplement passer l’antivol à travers la roue et le cadre, ou l’attacher à un autre vélo, pour éviter qu’il puisse être utilisé.

Pouvez-vous partager une histoire de récupération mémorable qui illustre la puissance de l’engagement communautaire et de l’enregistrement des vélos ?

Nous en avons tellement ! Mais l’une de nos récentes réussites vient de Winnipeg, où un cycliste avait enregistré son vélo électrique sur 529 Garage et installé un traceur. Lorsqu’il a été volé, il a pu utiliser les informations du traceur pour aider la police à localiser le vélo, et grâce à son enregistrement avec des photos, l’agent a rapidement pu vérifier la propriété et le restituer à son propriétaire. C’est exactement pourquoi nous nous sommes associés à Bikebac : en combinant vigilance communautaire, enregistrement efficace et technologie de suivi, on crée un puissant système de récupération qui fonctionne réellement.

Quelle est la plus grande erreur que vous voyez les propriétaires de vélos commettre en matière de sécurité, et comment peuvent-ils la corriger ?

Je n’arrive pas à croire combien de personnes dépensent des milliers de dollars pour un vélo, mais utilisent encore un simple câble pour l’attacher. Si vous seriez prêt à offrir 200 $ de récompense pour récupérer votre vélo volé, pourquoi ne pas investir cette somme dans un bon antivol qui réduira le risque de vol dès le départ ? Un voleur choisira toujours un vélo avec un câble facile à couper plutôt qu’un vélo solidement attaché avec un antivol en U de qualité.

Je suis également surpris du nombre de personnes qui ne savent pas utiliser correctement leur antivol. Je vois sans cesse des vélos attachés uniquement par la roue. Si l’antivol ne passe pas par le cadre, il ne sert à rien.

Je conseille toujours aux cyclistes de penser à la sécurité en plusieurs couches : utilisez un bon antivol en U, attachez à la fois le cadre et la roue à un point fixe, enregistrez votre vélo, envisagez d’ajouter un traceur et assurez-le au cas où toutes ces précautions échoueraient.

Comment la technologie a-t-elle changé le vol de vélos ces dernières années ?

Les voleurs de vélos ont pris une longueur d’avance grâce aux plateformes de vente en ligne. Cela leur a permis de revendre facilement les vélos volés et d’en tirer plus de profit. C’est une des raisons majeures qui nous ont poussés à créer 529 Garage. Nous voulions offrir aux cyclistes et aux forces de l’ordre des outils pour rééquilibrer le rapport de force.

L’enregistrement permet aux propriétaires d’avoir toutes les informations nécessaires à portée de main, et aux policiers de retrouver rapidement les propriétaires des vélos qu’ils récupèrent. 529 Garage offre également à la communauté et aux magasins de vélos un moyen de vérifier un vélo avant son achat. En fait, nous voyons souvent des récupérations grâce à des groupes qui surveillent les plateformes de vente en ligne pour lutter contre ce fléau.

Bien sûr, les solutions de suivi jouent aussi un rôle clé, et elles deviennent de plus en plus abordables et efficaces. Associées à l’enregistrement, elles peuvent faire une réelle différence.

Envie d’ajouter une couche de sécurité supplémentaire à votre vélo ?

Le Bikebac Tracker est maintenant disponible à l’achat sur le site de Bikebac. Actuellement compatible avec les appareils Apple, ce traceur s’intègre parfaitement à la technologie du réseau Find My. Les utilisateurs Android peuvent s’inscrire sur la liste d’attente – inscrivez-vous ici pour un accès exclusif à la précommande de la version compatible Android à venir.

Si vous ne pouviez donner qu’un seul conseil à chaque propriétaire de vélo, quel serait-il et pourquoi ?

Enregistrez votre vélo avant d’en avoir besoin. C’est comme une assurance – une fois que vous en avez besoin, il est trop tard. Un enregistrement correct, avec des photos claires et récentes ainsi que des informations détaillées sur votre vélo, est absolument essentiel pour le récupérer en cas de vol. C’est la base qui permet à tout le reste de fonctionner – des alertes communautaires à la récupération par les forces de l’ordre en passant par les demandes d’assurance. Sans enregistrement, même si quelqu’un retrouve votre vélo, il sera très difficile de prouver qu’il vous appartient. C’est pourquoi nous avons rendu cela si simple avec l’application mobile 529 Garage – prenez 5 minutes maintenant pour potentiellement sauver votre vélo plus tard.

Déjà enregistré votre vélo ? Améliorez votre protection avec un 529 Shield ! Nos données montrent que les vélos équipés de ces plaques sont non seulement volés moins fréquemment, mais ont également un taux de récupération plus élevé en cas de vol. Chaque achat de plaque soutient directement nos efforts continus pour mettre fin au vol de vélos.

Les maillons de la chaîne

Nous sommes encore en train de peaufiner le contenu de cette newsletter, mais en hommage à l’une de nos (ok, ma) newsletters préférées, We’re Here de John et Hank Green, nous voulions partager quelques-uns de nos liens favoris autour du cyclisme.

• Une super vidéo de Bike Bus !

• Une démonstration parfaite de la bonne et de la mauvaise façon d’attacher son vélo (avec un vélo équipé d’un 529 Shield !)

• À quel point est-il facile de couper un antivol en câble ?

• Roulez avec votre chien !

• Vous ne savez pas comment attacher votre trottinette électrique ?

• À Victoria (C.-B.), le vol de vélos est au plus bas depuis 2011 !

À la prochaine, et continuez à rouler !

The 529 Team

We asked Rob to share some practical advice drawn from his years of experience in policing, bike security, and recovery.

Vous voulez notre newsletter en français ? Regardez ici.

What's the most surprising bike theft trend you've observed recently, and what can cyclists do to protect themselves against it?

People think most bikes are being stolen off the street, but in reality, a large number are from breaking and entering… from garages, storage units or even inside your home. When a bike is stolen from somewhere the owner feels it is secure, they are much less likely to lock it, even if they have a lock just sitting there. My advice is to always lock your bike, even if it’s in your home. If you don’t have some sort of rack to lock it to, you can just put the lock through your wheel and frame, or lock it to another bike, to prevent it from being rideable.

Can you share a memorable recovery story that demonstrates the power of community engagement and proper bike registration?

We have so many! But one of our recent success stories came from Winnipeg, where a cyclist had both registered their ebike with the 529 Garage and installed a tracker. When their bike was stolen, they were able to use the information from tracker to help the police locate the bike, and because the bike was properly registered with photos, the officer could quickly verify ownership and recover it. This is exactly why we partnered with Bikebac - when you combine community vigilance, proper registration, and tracking technology, you create a powerful recovery system that actually works.

What's the biggest mistake you see bike owners make when it comes to securing their bikes, and how can they fix it?

I can’t believe how many people will spend thousands on a bike, but still use a cheap cable lock to secure it. If you’d pay a $200 reward to get your bike back, why wouldn’t you pay that for a high quality lock that will reduce the reduce the risk of it being stolen in the first place. A thief is always going to skip over a bike with a strong U-lock if a bike with an easily cut cable lock is nearby.

Also, I’m always surprised at how many people don’t know the right way to use their locks. I see bikes locked through just the wheel all the time. If the lock isn’t through the frame, it’s not doing you any good.

I tell people that you need to think about security in layers: use a high-quality U-lock lock, secure both the frame AND wheel to a solid anchor point, register your bike, consider adding a tracker, and make sure it’s insured just in case all of that fails.

How has technology changed bike theft in recent years?

The bike thieves really got ahead of the game with online marketplaces. It made it much more profitable and easy to sell stolen bikes. That’s a big reason that the 529 Garage was created. We wanted to give bike owners and the police tools to help even the playing field.

Registration helps the bike owner have the information they need in the palm of their hands, and police are able to quickly find the owners of bikes that they recover. 529 Garage also gives the community and bike shops a way to check bikes before they are purchased. And in fact, we often see recoveries from tips from groups that patrol online marketplaces in an effort to fight the problem.

Of course, tracking solutions can also play a big role, and they are getting more affordable and effective. Paired up with registration, they can make a big difference.

Want to add an extra layer of security to your bike? The Bikebac Tracker is now available for purchase through the Bikebac website. Currently compatible with Apple devices, this tracker integrates seamlessly with Find My network technology. Android users can now join the waiting list - sign up here for exclusive pre-order access to the upcoming Android-compatible version.

If you could give just one piece of advice to every bike owner, what would it be and why?

Register your bike before you need to. It's like insurance - by the time you need it, it's too late. A proper registration with clear, recent photos and detailed information about your bike is absolutely crucial for recovery. It's the foundation that makes everything else work - from community alerts to law enforcement recovery to insurance claims. Without registration, even if someone finds your bike, proving it's yours becomes incredibly difficult. That's why we've made it so easy with the 529 Garage mobile app - take 5 minutes now to potentially save your bike later.

Already registered your bike? Level up your protection with a 529 Shield! Our data shows that bikes with shields are not only stolen less frequently but also have higher recovery rates when theft does occur. Every shield purchase directly supports our ongoing efforts to end bike theft.

Links in the chain

We’re still working out what goes into this newsletter, but in homage to one of our (ok, my) favorite newsletters, We’re Here from John and Hank Green, we wanted to share some of our favorite cycling-ish links.

• Have to love a great Bike Bus video!

• Great demo of the wrong and the right way to lock your bike (with a bike sporting a 529 Shield!)

• Just how easy is it to clip a cable lock?

• Ride with your pup!

• Not sure how to lock up your e-scooter?

• Victoria BC says bike theft is down to the lowest its been since 2011!

Until next time, keep on riding!

The 529 Team

Hope your new year is off to a great start. When last we reached out, we let you know that we’d be ramping up on our outreach. Since then, while we made very good on our promise that we would not spam your inbox, we failed to do the main thing we promised: to reach out. But, it’s a new year, and with resolutions and all that, here we are! Reaching out to remind you that it’s a great time to make sure that your beloved rides are safe and sound.

“My local police department encourages people to register their bikes on 529. The police called me 2 days after my bike was stolen to notify me that they found my bike! Hurray!”

Ruth, Missoula, MT

Quick 529 Garage Housekeeping

Let’s start easy. Log into your 529 Garage account. This is just to make sure you are still using the same email you signed up with (and if not, contact us at support and we’ll get you straightened out).

Now, look at your registered bikes. Are they still the same? Did you sell something? Did you get a shiny new bike for the holidays? Now’s a great time to make sure that all your bikes are accounted for.

And while you are looking at your registrations… how are the photos on there? Maybe it’s time to refresh them? Clear, recent images make such a big difference if your bike is stolen. Also, don’t you want a cool photo of your bike that you can share on your socials? (I see you @lookatmybikeleaning)

Does your bike have a 529 Shield? Do you know what a 529 Shield is? Did you know that when we look at our reported theft and recovery rates, bikes with 529 Shields are stolen less often and recovered more often? Did you know that adding a 529 Shield to your bike is a great way to support our efforts in ending bike theft? Do you think I can say 529 Shield anymore in this paragraph (Yes. Yes I can.) Find out more 529 Shields and buy some on our shop.

How about installing our app? If you registered on the website, awesome. But the 529 Garage mobile app makes it even easier to register your bike with cool photos, to help out with other 529ers in your community if you see their missing bike, and get the good news when bikes are recovered in your area. You can get the (free!) 529 Garage app here for your Android or iOS device.

“The police called and said that someone had tried to sell my bike at a pawn shop. The pawn shop person looked up the bike id number, which I had registered and saw that it was stolen.”

Jennie, Boulder, CO

Lock It Like You Love It

Let's talk about showing your bike some real love with proper security:

• Think of it as a bike hug - wrap that lock through both the frame and a wheel

• Be picky about where you lock up - if it wiggles, it's not worth it. Choose solid, immovable objects as anchor points. No trees please.

• Put your cable lock to its proper use…only use it to lock your accessories, and invest in a high quality U-lock for your frame. Want more lock advice? See our article on bike locks.

• Indoor storage? Lock it anyway - 20% of bikes are stolen from garages and other "secure" locations.

“Police did a search warrant on an address and found lots of bikes. They used 529 Garage to look for bikes of the description of my bike and found me through that.”

John, Christchurch, NZ

The Insurance Talk (Stay With Us - It's Important!)

So, since joining forces with Two Three Bird, we have learned a ton about bike insurance. We’ve always been super focused on prevention and recovery (for our own bikes as well as yours), and figured we’d be covered by our home policy if we didn’t get our bike back. But then we took the time to read the fine print on our policy, and learned all sorts of things. It’s not exactly best seller reading, but it’s definitely worth it so you know you are covered in the worst case scenario.

So, take a look at what you’ve got and verify these critical points:

• Understand coverage limits and deductibles, esp for bicycles

• Consider how a claim might affect your premiums

• Check if accessories are included in coverage

• See if it’s covered when the bike is not at home

If you’re looking to level up your coverage with a bike specific policy, see if Sundays Insurance is available in your location. (Sundays isn’t available everywhere 529 Garage is, but they are working on it!)

“I received a call from the officer who has recovered a dozen bikes in the last month. He drove it to my house and delivered it to me in person! I'm stunned. He regularly checks 529 for local bikes. “

Jim, Kitchner, ON

The Power of Bike Trackers

More frequently we’ve been seeing trackers be a part of successful recoveries. Which makes sense, as getting your bike back is a lot easier when you can tell the police where it is.

Our partner Bikebac has an affordable option for bike tracking:

• Track your bike anywhere in the world with no subscription costs

• Easily hidden under your water bottle holder, or your seat

• 1+ Year Battery Life (Replaceable CR2032)

• IP67 Waterproof

• Apple Find My Compatible (Android Find My Device Coming Soon)

You can learn more, and grab a tracker for yourself here.

“We had a tracker on the bike which allowed us to help the police locate it. The police were able to get to the bike and confirm the registration, so they reclaimed it and returned it.”

Sarah, Winnipeg, MB

Your Bike Safety To-Do List

• Give your 529 Garage profile some TLC

• Level up your locking game

• Understand the details of your insurance policy

• Think about adding a tracker to your bike

• If your bike was stolen, make sure you file a police report! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Remember, bike security isn't just about one solution - it's about creating layers of protection. By combining registration, proper locking, insurance, and tracking, you're giving yourself the best chance of keeping your bike where it belongs - with you.

Until next time, happy trails!

The 529 Team

Your finger hovers over the ‘buy’ button. But then, a small nagging doubt pulls you back from the brink. Could this bike be stolen?

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Unfortunately, the online marketplace for used bikes has a dark underbelly—stolen bikes often find their way onto sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Kijiji. The ramifications of buying a stolen bike, even unknowingly, can be substantial. Laws are far from uniform across jurisdictions. While some may look the other way, many will require you to return the bike without any compensation if it’s discovered to be stolen property, even if you didn’t have any part in the theft. Even more serious, you might end up enmeshed in a legal investigation for possessing stolen goods. And those online marketplaces are unlikely to help you out.

Even if you can “get away with it”, buying a stolen bike is just not the right thing to do. It feeds the market for stolen goods and makes it more likely that your bike may be the next one stolen.

So how do you make sure that you are not, however unintentionally, part of the problem?

Pick Reliable Dealers

Start by keeping to reputable bike sellers. These businesses are not just selling bikes; they’re selling trust. They have strict checks and balances in place to avoid dealing in stolen goods. Plus, it’s likely the bike will be in good shape and you’ll have proof of purchase if you need to sell the bike. So, yeah, you may pay a bit more, but the bike sellers that put in the effort to make sure that they are selling legitimate bikes help the whole cycling eco-system and deserve your support.

Your local bike shop could almost certainly use your support, but if you can’t find what you want there, look on sites like BikeList, Sprocket.bike or Pro’s Closet which check online registries to verify sales. Check the fine print on whatever marketplace you are purchasing from to see how they deal with stolen merchandise.

Do Your Due Diligence on Details

Before making a purchase, put on your detective hat. Our own 529 bike detective, Rob Brunt, has some suggestions:

• If the bike is suspiciously cheap, this is your first sign. A bit of research on the average price for the bike’s make and model can provide a valuable reference point. If the price is doesn’t make sense, don’t buy it.

• Take a close look at the bike’s condition. Is the serial number scratched off? Is it freshly (spray) painted? Do the parts look mismatched? These are all signs the seller could be trying to hide something when selling the bike.

• If you are buying on a site like Facebook Marketplace, check out the seller’s profile to see if there it is legit.

• Ask questions about how long the seller has had the bike, and why they are selling it. Does the answer pass the sniff test?

• Check for it on the 529 Garage to see if the bike was listed as stolen. A seller shouldn’t be hesitant to provide you with the serial number for you to check.

Insist on Proof of Ownership

When dealing with individual sellers, don’t shy away from asking for proof of ownership. Legitimate sellers would understand your concern and be able to provide:

1. Original Sales Receipt: This document ideally should show the seller’s name, the date of purchase, and detailed bike specifications.

2. Owner’s Manual or Warranty Card: While not as definitive as a receipt, they still hold valuable information about the bike’s history and ownership. Even better if the seller has maintenance records!

3. Registration with a Bike Registry: Bike registration services like the 529 Garage store essential information about a bike and its legitimate owner. A seller who has registered their bike should be able to share their registration details for you to cross-check. In particular, check the date of the registration… a newly registered bike that the owner is selling is suspicious.

By buying from trusted sources, doing your homework on the bike’s condition and price, and asking for proof of ownership, you can be part of the solution, not the problem.

And remember, once you’ve found your two-wheeled match, consider registering it with the 529 Garage. It’s a small step you can take to protect your own bike from theft, and in the process, you contribute to the bigger picture—creating a safer, more secure community for cyclists everywhere. Life is a beautiful ride, but it’s even better when you’re not unintentionally supporting bike theft. Happy biking!

We’ll try to help you out by explaining the different types of locks, how to use them, and the different bicycle security standards they provide, which tell you how strong your lock is so you can use this information when you are looking at reviews for specific locks.

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Types of Bike Locks

There are five main types of locks for your bike frame, and even more locks for accessories. We will tell you about each type along with their advantages and disadvantages.

CHAIN LOCKS

A chain lock is typically a large metal chain with a heavy-duty padlock on the end. They are excellent because they are very adaptable. You can lock anywhere on the chain, and there’s a huge amount of combinations on how you can physically lock the bike up. They are very easy to use and also have the ability to lock multiple bikes up together. Another great feature of the chain lock is you can loop it through the front wheel and the rear wheel to keep them from getting stolen too. They also work perfectly with a floor anchor for locking your bike up at home.

Since carrying a chain while riding can be an issue, several companies have created belt locks – a fabric-covered chain lock that you can wear it around your waist like a belt when you’re riding.

Advantages

• Very Adaptable

• Easy to use

• Can lock multiple bikes up

• It makes it easy to lock to many objects

Disadvantages

• Very heavy

• Hard to store on the bike

• Security depends on the thickness and chain material, and the quality of the padlock you use.

U LOCKS

A U Lock (or D Lock), is one of the most popular types of locks you can buy. They attach between your frame and back wheel and are very difficult for thieves to get through as they are solid steel. Typically they will come with a mount which means you can attach them to your bike easily. They are very quick to use and are the go to lock for cycle couriers because they are so quick to use and generally effective at preventing bike theft. U Lock security varies by material, but the most secure locks take this form.

Want more tech in your lock? You might consider a smart lock, which is typically a U Lock with bluetooth or data access that lets you lock and unlock it with your phone. These locks often will also include an alarm, and notify you if your bike is being tampered with.

Advantages

• Quick and easy to use

• Not very heavy

• Attach to the bike easily

Disadvantages

• You can only lock one bike generally

• It can be challenging locking to other things than bike racks.

FOLDING LOCKS

You might have seen a folding lock and wondered what is that? Folding locks are great because they combine a strong material with a small form factor that is easy to mount to your bike or throw in a bag. When unfolded, they form a sort of chain so they are more adaptable to fit around different bike racks and bikes.

Just like U Locks, folding locks have a various safety ratings. You can see them with a basic or very high safety rating. ABUS recently brought a Gold standard folding lock to the market called the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500.

Advantages

• Very small and fold away easily

• Easy to use

• May work with multiple bikes

Disadvantages

• The cheaper models are not the strongest of locks – be sure to get a highly rated version.

STRAP LOCKS

Strap (or band) locks, like LiteLok’s Core Plus are lightweight flexible locks that can be highly secure. Like chain belt-locks, they can be easily worn as a belt (but are much lighter than the chain-based version). They are made with a core that is a composite that usually includes high tensile steel sheathed in a fabric skin. While there are Gold rated strap locks, these locks are still easier to get through than a high end U Lock, so best used when you aren’t leaving your bike unattended for long periods.

Advantages

• 50% lighter than most other high security locks

• Easy to use

• Can be worn as a belt

• Can be mounted

• May work with multiple bikes

Disadvantages

• The cheaper models are not the strongest of locks – be sure to get a highly rated version.

• Some strap locks are stiff, so not easy to fold

• Can be expensive

CABLE LOCKS

Cable locks are very small and easy to use, but we never recommend them as a primary lock as they are incredibly easy for a bike thief to cut. While cable locks can vary, they are typically made of a flexible metal core with a plastic outer sheath and a locking mechanism that splits and connects them together. They are easy to fix to multiple places on the bike, such as the seat post but can easily break with a decent set of wire cutters. Cabel locks are best used in conjunction with another, stronger lock to help protect your bike parts (seat, wheels, etc.).

A retractable cable lock is skips the plastic outer sheath, and just has the metal cable wound up inside a small container, which you can pull out and use it to lock your bike to a bike rack. While they are very convenient, they are incredibly easy for thieves to get through with the right tools. Just like with standard cable locks, these should only be used to secure bike accessories.

Advantages

• Excellent for mounting anywhere on the bike

• Very light and flexible

• Cheap to buy

Disadvantages

• Very, very easy for thieves to get through (we can’t stress this enough… don’t lock your bike with just a cable lock!)

Accessory and Secondary Locks

We already mentioned that cable locks should only be used for accessories. But, there are other styles of accessory locks available as well. Doubling up on locks can really help increase your bike security, so adding an accessory lock is highly recommended. Ease of use and weight are typically the biggest factors when considering a secondary accessory lock.

ZIP LOCKS

More secure than it sounds, zip locks are quick to use and very lightweight locks designed like a re-usable zip tie. They are typically combination locks with a wire-core. They won’t stand up for long to anything more powerful than kitchen shears, but can help keep your accessories safer and slow down a thief.

CINCH LOCKS

Cinch locks, like those from OTTOLOCK, are lightweight accessory locks that can coil up to a very small, lightweight bundle. They are about the same security level as a cable lock, but because they coil, may be easier to carry.

DISC BRAKE LOCKS

Disc brake are typically seen more on motorcycles, but can be effective as an added security measure on your bicycle (especially electric bicycle) as well. The lock passes a pin through the disc brake on your bike which prevents the wheel from turning. Although the bike can be picked up and thrown in the back of a van, it can’t easily be ridden away. Some disc brake locks also have alarms.

ANTI-THEFT SKEWERS

Quick releases may make it easier to change your tire when you get a flat, but it also makes it so much easier for thieves to snag your wheels. Consider replacing your quick releases with anti-theft skewers if you are leaving your bike unattended in public areas. Thieves love to snag wheels to help make “franken” bikes… piecing together different parts so the bike is harder to identify.

HANDLEBAR GRIP LOCKS

Similar to Disc Brake locks, handle bar locks lock onto your handle bars to prevent the bike from being ridden away. Some have alarms built in as well. While they are not sufficient for protecting your frame, they are easy to use and are just one more layer that a thief would need to work through, so can be a good deterrent.

Key or combination?

All bike locks come with a key or combination function which lets the user lock and unlock them. You will find all the different standards of locks using each of these. Which is the right for you?

KEY

When you buy a key lock, you will find they come with two keys or more. We highly recommend having one on your keyring or in your purse or wallet, so it is always on you. Then the second, we would typically suggest storing at home in case you lose the lock you have with you. This is more secure than a combination lock, as you need your unique key for it to work, but it does run the risk of losing your key and not being able to unlock your own bike.

Your key will also most likely come with a unique key serial number. Be sure to write it down in case you ever loose the keys to your lock. You’ll be able to contact the manufacturer to get a replacement if you have the key number.

Some lock styles have a “click to lock” feature, so they only require the key to unlock which can save time finding and fiddling with the key just to lock your bike up.

COMBINATION

Combination locks are where instead of a key, you use a code to unlock your bike. It’s great if you typically lose keys often or share a bike with someone. You will find it is normally a three to five digit code that you need to know, and most locks let you change it to anything you want. It’s a great way to keep your bike safe without having to keep a key on you, but there’s always the risk of someone being able to guess your code, and we highly suggest getting creative and not using your birthday or 1111.

Can you pick it?

A savvy thief can break through pretty much any lock, but some locks are harder than others. While cutting through is typically the most common way to defeat a lock, locks can also be picked (remember bic gate?). The thing you are looking for in a good lock is how long it takes and how common is the equipment it takes to break the lock. When you are looking at reviews and standards, be sure to look at how pickable it is as well as how easy it is to cut through.

Understanding bike lock standards

As with many things, bike locks come with certain standards, and many external companies test locks and rate them on their protection ability to deter bike thieves. Typically you will hear of a few different safety standards, such as ART and Sold Secure. When you insure a bike, they may require you to use a certain lock standard, which is why these companies exist.

These are independent companies that can’t be bought and they do extensive testing on the locks that they rate. ART focuses mainly on the Dutch and UK market, and Sold Secure is worldwide. Typically the main company most brands use is Sold Secure, and we’re going to speak about how locks are rated.

SOLD SECURE BRONZE STANDARD

Bronze is Sold Secure’s lightest level of lock and typically the easiest for a thief to get through. You will find lighter locks that are much smaller in this category, such as cable locks and small convenience locks. Don’t leave your bike locked up with a bronze level lock for long, and keep it in sight as well. A bike thief could use very basic tools such as bolt cutters, to get through this. We would only recommend these for very short café stops (ideally where you are sitting outside).

SOLD SECURE SILVER STANDARD

The silver standard is the next level up from bronze and offers slightly more protection than bronze, but they are heavier and come in different designs, such as a U lock. They will offer somewhat better protection, but if you’re leaving your bike in a city center all day without being able to see, it would be taking a risk even with the silver standard locking system.

SOLD SECURE GOLD STANDARD

The Gold standard Sold Secure’s locks are excellent. When you buy a lock of the gold standard, you’re getting a quality lock that is going to keep your bike very secure. A gold standard lock will do an excellent job at keeping your bike safe in high-risk areas and typically will come in the form of a thick chain and padlock. It will be very challenging to get through for any thief. This is the minimum level of security we would recommend for locking your frame.

SOLD SECURE DIAMOND STANDARD

In 2020 Sold Secure released a new standard which is what they call the Diamond. It is the highest rating of lock you can get and offers a huge amount of security. There are about 80+ diamond standard locks on the register, which can be used in high-risk areas and will give you the best chance of protection. These locks are very impressive and typically look like a U Lock with an added cable or chain to go through your wheels as well.

SO, HOW TO I CHOOSE THE LOCK?

Since there are so many locks, you certainly won’t have time to research them all. First, start by figuring out the lock type that best suits your needs. Then, we suggest using Sold Secure’s approved lock search engine where you can see all the locks they have tested and their rating. It’s an excellent tool when looking for a lock, depending on the standard you want.

Once you’ve narrowed down the a few lock models you are considering, it’s time to look at more detailed reviews. You’ll most likely need to do some Googling to find reviews on your specific lock choices, but if you are looking for sites that have more detailed, best-of type reviews, here are some suggestions:

• Bike Radar

• Outdoor Gear Lab

• Gadget Review

• Bicycling.com

• It’s also worth reading the reviews on Amazon to see how the lock actually performs in real life scenarios

Having the right lock is not enough

OK, so you’ve gotten the right lock for your needs. Unfortunately, a great lock is simply not enough to protect your bike… it’s just one of the steps. You’ll also need to know how to use it properly, and take some other steps to keep your bike safe:

• Prepare for the worst: make sure your bike is registered so you have all of the information ready in the case your bike is stolen.

• Don’t skimp on your lock. A cheap lock won’t protect your bike as well as a rated lock. Your bike is worth it!

• Badly locked bikes are easy targets. Lock your bike properly through the frame and wheel. A well-locked bike can deter thieves. We recommend the Sheldon Brown locking strategy.

• Avoid quick-release wheels and seats if possible. If not, use an accessory lock along with your primary lock to protect them.

• Locking your bike up in a well lit, high traffic area. Thieves don’t want to be seen stealing a bike.

• When parking in a public place, look for a broken locks on the rack, and avoid it if possible.

• Bikes are frequently stolen out of garages, bike cages and homes. Always lock your bike, even if it inside.

• Use a ground anchor if you are locking your bikes at home in a shed, outbuilding or garage.

• If you forget your lock, stop into a nearby bike store to see if they can look after your bike (or better yet, give them some business and buy a great lock!)

• Tracking products such as GPS trackers or bluetooth trackers (like AirTags) aren’t foolproof, but are getting better.

“Project 529 has become a powerful ally for cyclists, significantly reducing bike theft by 70% in areas like Vancouver, BC. With over 3 million searchable bikes so far, it’s clear evidence of the community’s trust in its ability to protect their bikes and enhance safety for all cyclists.” states Ferroni, CEO of Project 529.

Bicycle theft in North America persists as a significant issue, with over 2 million bikes stolen each year, equating to a theft occurring every 30 seconds. This epidemic not only inflicts a staggering financial toll estimated at $2 billion annually but also has social ramifications, with an estimated third of individuals refraining from cycling again after experiencing theft. Alarmingly, the majority of bike theft victims lack sufficient protection measures, often relying on inadequate home or renters insurance coverage and low-security locks, exacerbating the problem further.

Two Three Bird’s acquisition of Project 529 is a game-changer in this landscape, signalling a major leap towards mitigating these challenges on a global scale. “Our mission aligns seamlessly with Project 529’s revolutionary approach to keeping riders riding,” says Two Three Bird’s CEO Theo Grobler. “This acquisition is not just about expanding a platform; it’s about empowering cyclists worldwide to ride with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are supported by the most robust bike security eco-system available.”

Bicycle theft is a substantial and growing worldwide problem very difficult for law enforcement to address, often leading to and enabling further crimes. This acquisition aims to tackle the associated challenges head-on, unlocking the necessary funding to boost Project 529’s protective reach to more regions worldwide and fostering a culture of safety and vigilance within the cycling community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@twothreebird.com
media@project529.com

Images included in this press release are the property of Two Three Bird and are copyrighted. Permission has been granted for their use in this press release. For additional permissions, please contact Two Three Bird directly.

More info:

Project 529:
Founded in 2013 by J Allard, widely known as the godfather of the Xbox and Lara Ferroni, Project 529 is the leading provider in bicycle registration and recovery, with over 3 million searchable bikes on the system. Since the Vancouver police department adopted Project 529, it has reduced bicycle theft by over 70%. Many cities, police departments, law enforcement agencies, and universities around the world have adopted Project 529. The acquisition will unlock necessary growth funding through partnerships with Two Three Bird brands like Sundays Insurance. (https://project529.com)

Two Three Bird:
Founded in 2008 by Theo Grobler and Anna Edwards, Two Three Bird is a technology group of companies specializing in micro mobility with operations in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Two Three Bird is the leading provider of cyclist insurance in the world with brands such as Sundays Insurance, Velosure, Direct Line Cycling Insurance, Wiggle Cycle Insurance, Bicycle Network Insurance. Two Three Bird also holds a strategic investment in Hubtiger, software that streamlines workshop management for bicycle stores. (https://twothreebird.com)

Sundays Bicycle Insurance:
Sundays Insurance is one of the direct-to-consumer brands under the Two Three Bird group that offers dedicated and comprehensive insurance to cyclists in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Cyclists can bind coverage on the Sundays Insurance website within minutes. The benefit of dedicated coverage for a bicycle over the standard coverage available under homeowners and renters insurance: More comprehensive coverage, the ability to fully cover expensive bicycles and e-bikes, and, very importantly, no premium hikes on homeowners or renters premiums due to a claim on a bicycle. (https://sundaysinsurance.com)

VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA (Tuesday, April 30, 2024) – 529 Garage, the world’s largest program to fight bike theft, is now available to law enforcement agencies throughout the entire country of New Zealand and the Canadian province of British Columbia.

These two separate funding partnerships will see members of the national police service in New Zealand, as well as police forces throughout B.C., provided with full access to the searchable 529 Garage database.

“Christchurch Police are pleased to be supporters of the 529 Garage initiative and welcome the decision to roll it out nationwide. We know that our colleagues in other police districts will welcome this additional tool in their efforts to reunite stolen bikes with their rightful owners,” says Christchurch Police Senior Sergeant Roy Appley.

Anne Heins, Community Travel Advisor for Christchurch City Council says: “Bike thefts are an ongoing issue in our city of Christchurch, as well as throughout New Zealand, with thousands of bikes being stolen each year. We have seen the success of this program in other cities, including Vancouver, and we’re eager to see it rolled out across the country to start putting the brakes on bike thieves.”

Originally started as a pilot project involving the Vancouver Police Department in Canada in 2015, the program now has more than 3.1 million searchable bikes worldwide. Since its launch, bike thefts have declined by 70 per cent in Vancouver.

“What began as a commitment by the Vancouver Police Department to reduce bike theft in our city has now spread worldwide,” says VPD Chief Constable Adam Palmer. “We’re proud of the successes we’ve achieved that are now being taken across our province and other nations.”

529 Garage was created by J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, who – after having his bicycle stolen – built the system with the vision of cutting the bike theft epidemic in North America in half by 2025.

“We’ve changed the way police fight bike thefts around the world, providing a universal registration system that’s accessible, searchable and shared by police forces,” says Allard. “As a result, bicycles are being returned to their owners, at times across international borders. These new partnerships are another step forward toward expanding the program’s global reach and closing the ranks around bike thieves.”

The 529 Garage team will work with the New Zealand police service, councils, retail stores and cycling organizations across the country to roll out the program.

“It takes a network of bike enthusiasts to fight bike crime, and the reason this program is proving to be so successful is because it brings together law enforcement, bike shops, riders and multiple levels of government,” says Rob Brunt, a retired VPD Constable who now acts as 529 Garage’s Chief Outreach Officer, as well as an advisor for the VPD’s bike theft team.

All bicycle owners are encouraged to register their bikes for free with 529 Garage. Visit project529.com for further details or download the 529 Garage smartphone app. Bike retailers are also invited to contact Project 529 to learn more about how to get involved in this growing effort to combat bike thefts.

The numbers

• New Zealand has a population of more than 5.1 million people and is home to an estimated 4 million bikes, of which thousands are stolen each year.

• The Canadian province of British Columbia has a population of roughly 5.1 million people, with 119 RCMP detachments, a dozen municipal police forces plus municipal bylaw departments. In addition, universities, First Nations, non-profit biking organizations and bike retailers will all be provided access to the system.

• Project 529 started as a pilot project in Vancouver in 2015. At that time, 9 bikes a day were reported stolen. Today, about 3 bikes a day are reported stolen – a 70% reduction.

• The 529 Garage database now totals more than 3.1 million registered bicycles worldwide.

About Project 529 and 529 Garage

Founded in 2013, Project 529 has grown to become a cornerstone in the fight against the global bike theft epidemic. Through its flagship service, 529 Garage, it offers a comprehensive solution for cyclists, law enforcement, bike shops, universities and organizations to consolidate bike information through a universal, searchable bike database and toolset. This free-to-register service simplifies bicycle registration to under five minutes, hosting over 3 million searchable bikes – making it the world’s largest tool for aiding in the recovery and return of stolen bicycles. Register your bike or e-bike online for free at project529.com or through the 529 Garage app.

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Bike Theft Victim Do’s and Don’ts

We hope you never have to deal with having your bike stolen but if you do, here are some tips:

DO…

1. Report the crime to police either in person, online or via the non-emergency number, obtain a crime reference number and contact your insurer.

2. Fire up the 529 Garage, find (or register) your bike then press the alert button. This will activate the 529 community near you to be on the lookout. It’s like neighborhood watch for your bike. You can alert your social networks too, with just a few clicks.

3. Use 529 Garage to automatically create posters that you can place around town and to give to local bike shops that sell used bikes.

4. Tell your friends and family to register their bikes and to become a part of the 529 community. The more we join together to fight the problem of bike theft, the more successful we’ll be.

5. Check online marketplaces like craigslist and eBay for your stolen bike (save your search so you get automatic updates on any new matches). Don’t forget to take an entire screenshot of any suspicious ads – and make sure you capture the URL. Contact the police via their non-emergency number to find out the best way to work with them to retrieve your bike. Different agencies will have different policies, but here’s what Portland Police Department recommends if you find your stolen bike listed for sale: [link to article]

6. Report any suspicions about online bike resellers to the site you found them on. To report a problem to eBay, go to the bottom of the listing where you will find a link saying, “Report this item”. That takes you to a form you need to fill in to tell eBay why you are reporting. This includes stolen items, or other suspected fraud. If you have suspicions about a craigslist post, contact them: [link to contact form].

7. Recall whether you bought your bike with a credit card that offers purchase protection against theft.

8. Write to eBay and craigslist to ask that they help stem the sale of stolen bikes by requiring serial numbers for bike listings.

9. Consider writing to your elected officials to inform them of any bike theft issues your community is experiencing and to ask them to take bike theft seriously. Encourage your police department or university to adopt an advanced bike registration, reporting and recovery system like the 529 Garage.

10. Keep riding! Some cyclists decide they are defeated and never replace their trusty steed after they’ve been a victim of bike theft. Get a new bike, the best lock you can afford and join efforts to deter bike theft.

DON’T…

1. Approach, confront or accuse a suspected thief or attempt to reclaim a stolen bike without the involvement of the police.

2. Attempt to stop criminals committing crimes or take the law into your own hands.

3. Take unnecessary risks to obtain information on suspicious people or crimes.

4. Buy your bike back from an illegitimate seller or thief. Even if you failed to register your bike and cannot prove ownership – always contact the police.

5. Be shy about spreading the word about the importance of bike registration and proof of ownership to family and friends. Many people are completely unaware that free bike registration exists.

6. Be an easy target. Use a U-lock instead of a cable lock or research other locks rated “highly secure” by independent lock testers. Always park your bike to a secure bike parking structure located in a well-lit, populated area. Never leave your bike unlocked in your garage, bike cage, balcony or on your car (around a quarter of all stolen bikes are taken from these locations).

7. Be discouraged from reporting future incidents to police. The general tendency to not report bike theft is part of the reason some police departments cannot take stronger action.

Bike’s Gone and Need Another?

Don’t be part of the problem…avoid buying a stolen bike when shopping used. We hope you get your stolen bike back but if you  don’t  – and you have decided to shop for a used replacement – keep things legitimate by: searching our registry using the bike’s serial number (we automatically search our partner’s sites as well), searching ad listings for clues: poor quality photos or stock photos, price too good to be true, seller has numerous suspicious bikes for sale or can’t/won’t answer detailed questions/refuses to offer a Bill of Sale/can’t tell you where the bike was purchased/won’t tell you the serial number. Notify police if you think someone is trying to sell you a stolen bike.

About Us

Project 529’s vision is to cut the $2 billion bike theft epidemic in North America in half by 2025. The 529 Garage is the world’s largest and fastest-growing bicycle registration system with over 800,000 searchable bikes. The system is a cloud-based service offered to partners in the cycling industry, law enforcement and higher education markets to tackle bicycle theft. It allows cyclists, shops and organizations to register bicycles in less than five minutes. If the bicycle is stolen, the victim can alert the local cycling community and law enforcement with just a few taps from their smartphone. Learn more here or contact us at info@project529.com.

Constable Rob Brunt, a veteran of the VPD was assigned the task to investigate what could be done and reached out to me in the summer of 2015. While we had been operating 529 Garage for 2 years already, the VPD partnership was by far the largest partnership for our young company.

Bike theft had been climbing steadily at 20% per year in Vancouver since the Olympics and was on track to close out at north of 3,000 reports in 2015, then estimated to exceed 5,200 reported incidents in 2018. Knowing that only one-in-five bike thefts are reported to the police, it was clear that bike theft was a huge problem for Vancouver cyclists and the city’s Greenest City initiative.

We were challenged by Chief Adam Palmer to assemble a strategy to register 10,000 bikes and see what could be done to arrest the growth of this epidemic. At the time, both challenges felt quite ambitious. We faced many questions that day:

• Would a voluntary / 3rd party system gain adoption?

• How would the nature of a private / public partnership play out?

• What will the response be from the cycling community?

• Could software really play a meaningful role in crime reduction?

These weren’t just questions from the media and our new partners, but questions we also asked ourselves. While I’m very pleased the answers to those questions were ultimately all positive, never, in a million years, would have predicted the momentum of engagement we experienced. Not a few bike shops, but dozens of bike shops jumped aboard. Not just 10,000 cyclists, but 70,000 cyclists engaged. Not just the Foundation and key players within the VPD, but the Parks Board, the City, the University, non-profits and CMHC also joined hands along with hundreds of volunteers.

And looking beyond Vancouver, another 30 municipalities locked arms with their Vancouver neighbors to attack this epidemic, together.

Cst. Rob Brunt of the VPD addresses the media on the 3 year anniversary of the 529 Garage pilot program in Vancouver.

As part of this effort if you would have told me that we’d reduce theft by 60% on Granville Island in partnership with the Canadian federal government as part of this pilot, I wouldn’t have believed it.

When I began to study bike theft in detail over 5 years ago, my headline was that the “bad guys” were far better organized than the “good guys.”  The challenge was less about creating a breakthrough technology or a disruptive app. Our challenge was to build simple tools that would help shift the dynamic and uniting citizens, government, non-profits and businesses to address the problem hand-in-hand.

Change is hard.

Stopping an epidemic that is growing at 20% a year is very hard.

But reversing that trend and reducing crime by 30% in 3 years… well, that felt near impossible.

But, as history has proven time and time again, nothing is impossible when people work hand in hand around a common goal. The credit of the results we shared today with our partners and the media doesn’t belong to one individual, one agency, one municipality and definitely not one app. The credit truly goes to the spirit of British Columbians – public agencies, private companies, non-profits and citizens – working together to stop a problem that has been damaging our communities for too long.

Just 3 years after the launch of the pilot, bike theft is down 30%, returning to 2012 levels in Vancouver. Neighboring cities like Richmond and Whistler also experienced double digit drops (30% and 55% respectively). Granville Island – the number one cycling destination in the city (and leading locale in bike theft in BC), plummeted by 60%. Hundreds of bikes annually are being returned to their rightful owners by the Vancouver Police, nearly a bike every day. And, with the help of community tipsters and local bike shops the criminals have been put on notice and the black market has become less profitable and with higher risk.

In curbing the growth and reducing the problem to 2012 levels, Vancouver has set an example for other cities, communities and regions to follow. While there still is much work to do in Vancouver and across BC, this is a incredible 3 year result and a blueprint ripe for other regions to adapt and apply.

3 years from now, I plan to be writing about results from the other NHL cities across Canada, as well as meaningful international progress made down the I5 corridor. As part of that, we’re going to see expanded commitment from shops, manufacturers and online marketplaces to make bike theft a priority and in shrinking the black market. And, I’m sure we’ll be discussing new partnerships in other countries that want to provide the same world-class and safe infrastructure for cyclists in their metros as Vancouver does for its cyclists in partnership with our friends at World Bank.

With this pilot, Vancouver has demonstrated their commitment to the modern mobility movement and been an exceptional neighbor to the communities that surround them. I couldn’t be happier to have played a small part in this transformation, both personally and as an organization. Today is a great day for cyclists!

– J

Someone made off with my front wheel and I’m really angry. It’s not that it was a particularly nice wheel, but I did find it very helpful while riding. I don’t understand – why steal just a below average wheel? I went to craigslist to try and find my wheel, or just to buy a replacement, but there aren’t a lot of wheels up there so it doesn’t look like they’re stealing them to sell them. What gives, and what can I do to protect my replacement?

– Wheel-less In Sacramento, Help!

WISH,

Ah, yes. This situation is known as the dreaded “bike prowl” – where a thief picks a piece or two off of your bike, leaving the owner stranded and with a sometimes difficult replacement situation.

There’s a lot of bike theft behaviors that I can’t explain, but this one is pretty easy.

Bike thieves “prowl” bikes for parts to build complete bikes. The most common situation comes about when two compatible bikes in close proximity are locked differently, enabling a thief to quickly assemble a complete bike. Since the 80’s, most road- or commuter-style bikes standardized on wheel sizes and fitted bikes with “Quick Release” (or QR) skewers to allow for rapid, tool-less removal of wheels for transport or repair. The design also helps the rider apply added torque to secure the wheel without risk of stripping hardware. This nifty invention is a great convenience that thieves capitalize on.

The scenario plays out like this. The rider of a “red bike” locks their frame and rear wheel with a high-quality lock to a secure rack. The rider of a “blue bike” is less familiar with proper locking and simply locks their front wheel to a rack nearby. Both are equipped with QR skewers. The thief simply liberates the front wheel of the red bike and walks over to the blue bike, wheel in hand. A few turns of the blue QR liberates everything but the front wheel of the blue bike, they install the red wheel and ride away!

You’ll occasionally also see bicycles from time to time without saddles. QR seat clamps also became popular, to allow a rider to make small adjustments in the saddle height conveniently without tools. A popular anti-theft tactic that emerged around the same time was for an owner to release their saddle in an attempt to deter theft – sometimes not locking the bike at all! Of course, the same scenario plays out here where the thief simply liberates the saddle from a nearby bike, inserts it into the unlocked bike and rolls away.

The good news is that there is a line of defense against QR-based bike prowls. The best is to get rid of the QR hardware on your bike! In general, the category of products that are designed to replace the QR components standard on most bikes are referred to as locking skewers. Most urban bike shops these days will carry at least one solution and will be able to share some opinions. In my personal research and usage, I’ve landed on 3 products that I like, each with strengths and weaknesses.

The cheap-and-easy approach is to get some bolt-on skewers that require tools. An inexpensive option is the Delta Axolrodz Bolt-On Hub Skewers, but there are several others out there that are similar. While different variants require different tools, they all work on the same basic principle – by removing the QR, you’re adding risk and complexity for the quick-and-casual tool-free prowl. The downside is that most pros are going to have the tools in their bag to defeat it, so if they have the time and want the wheel, it’s still quite easy.

The next level is to go with a keyed locking skewer. These are skewers which require specialized tools that are paired (somewhat) uniquely to the specific hardware on the bike. In this category, we’re fans of the Pinhead Bicycle Locking Skewers. What’s terrific about this approach is that the keyed hardware allows to protect wheels, saddle and stem/fork all with a single approach and key. The downside to these keyed approaches is that you need the key to change a flat, so it’s something else to carry. (PS: Don’t leave it in a saddlebag like one recent victim reported having done!). Another thing to consider is that if you have multiple bikes, you’ll need to have different keys for different bikes.

The newest product to the party is the ABUS NutFix Quick Release Bicycle Wheel Skewers which fall into the category of gravity locked skewers. This clever category essentially requires your bike to be rotated into a specific orientation (upside-down or sideways) in order for the skewer to release. One problem with this category is that most of the solutions have essentially been QR skewers that only function if upside-down. The problem this introduces is that the skewers appear to be QR and therefore thieves (and sometimes mechanics) will try to release the wheel, often destroying the skewer. ABUS combines gravity with bolt-on, hiding the hardware with caps that can only be removed with the bike laying on its side. While an elegant solution (that even comes in multiple colors), these too are imperfect. First, rotating the bike might be possible depending on what you’ve secured to. Second, you need to carry a tool to fix a flat.

Another approach to defeat the prowl is the accessory cable which is essentially a cable lock with a loop on each end that can be secured to your primary lock and then can be looped through the saddle or front wheel. This can buy a little bit of time over the QR by requiring the thief to clip the cable before releasing the wheel or saddle. Remember though that the primary tool of the trade is bolt cutters! There’s a slew of DIY solutions out there are well, one of the more popular is using an old bike chain as a tether between your saddle rails and rear triangle to prevent a saddle from walking off.

The final note on locking skewers is to consult with a bike mechanic or manufacturer if you’re unsure if these products are appropriate for your bike. It’s very important to make sure that you torque the skewers appropriately to keep the wheels safely affixed (taking care not to strip the hardware).

WISH, hope this answers your question and that you’re rolling again soon!

– Annie

I’ve been trying to a better job with my bike locking since my brother’s bike got stolen last year. I think I have a pretty good sense for how thieves take advantage of bad locking practices, but what I’ve been confused when I see U-locks on the racks with no bikes. I visited Seattle last month and it seems these solo locks are everywhere. Is the ghost of Harry Houdini liberating bikes to impress us? 

– Left Behind  in Seattle

Left Behind,

I think I can shed light on this mystery for you.

It’s very rare that a thief will take the time to pick a lock at the rack, so you’re likely not seeing trophies of liberated bikes. More likely, you are simply seeing “left behind” U-locks. They aren’t being left behind by thieves, they are left behind by their owners. Why, you ask? Often because they are commuters who use that rack daily for parking their bike while they are at work or at school.

Back in the day, this was a protocol to “reserve” a preferred spot, an unwritten signal to cyclists to grab a different space if one is available. Early on, it also was a way to avoid transporting these new, heavy and awkward locks while riding.

While on the surface there isn’t anything wrong with leaving a lock at your daily destination, I discourage the practice for a couple of reasons:

• First, leaving a lock behind “at work” for most means that you probably don’t have that lock “at home.” This leaves your bike vulnerable where it is parked most frequently. As we see about 40% of bikes stolen from private residences, often unlocked, we always promote locking at home.

• Leaving your lock behind on the ride home doesn’t let you secure your bike if anything comes up during the commute. An emergency bio (or beer) stop  can leave you in a situation with no lock to secure your ride.

• The weather can be unkind to locks when left outdoors for extended periods. Depending on the construction, moisture entering the lock cylinder or body can promote deterioration and potentially leave you in a situation where you either cannot lock your bike or you cannot unlock it when you need it.

• Thieves sometimes exploit this practice and may potentially target your bike as a result. A thief spotting a weak “left behind” lock or weakened rack might note it as a potential target. Why? Because the bike is likely to be parked unmonitored for extended periods during days.

• Another exploit involves thieves rendering the lock unusable – by say filling the cylinder with superglue or breaking off toothpicks. If you roll up to the office, late for a meeting and your lock doesn’t work, a likely remedy would be to buy a cheap cable lock and solve the problem with the U-lock later.

Given modern U-locks that aren’t nearly as heavy and have good mounting options, I definitely recommend that the serious commuter always have a good lock on-hand when rolling. A great commuter lock is the ABUS 640 Mini, it comes with a frame mount and can even fit in a back jeans pocket.

– Annie

I reported my bike stolen with 529 a few weeks ago. I got an e-mail in response from 529 telling me to file a police report. My police department only takes reports by phone and I gave up after being on hold for over 10 minutes. Why should we bother to report it to police when they obviously don’t prioritize recovering bikes and I’ve already filed it with you?

– Mad in Freemont.

MIFfed,

I hear you… being put on extended hold is a close second to bike theft on my frustrate-o-meter. But, in this case, I have to encourage you to wait out that Muzak and report it missing.

While it’s correct that law enforcement have much more pressing issues than bike theft, most agencies do care about the problem more than cyclists believe. It’s a quality-of-life issue for their community and stolen bikes are often used as vehicles to commit additional crimes. For these reasons, and because bikes are frequently fenced in bulk, police do seize an incredible number of bikes – it’s not uncommon for major city to recover 1,000 or 2,000 bikes per year.

Now, that’s not to say a fleet of squad cars are going to be dispatched “code 3” when you report that your Kona Dr. Dew got clipped – that’s not how it works. But, there is a double-digit chance that your stolen bike will be recovered by a police department – that’s pretty good. While there’s more police can do, candidly, the cycling community isn’t doing their part.

There’s a number of reasons why it’s important to report your missing bike to the local authorities:

• If it’s not reported, it “didn’t happen.”  At 529, we estimate that only 1-in-5 bike thefts are reported to police. Prioritization is going to be determined by the scale of the problem. There’s a big difference between 3,000 and 15,000 bikes reported missing in a large city.

• Better data and analysis of problems in the community. In most major metros, all crime patterns are analyzed which helps determine the policing strategy on the streets. If a particular area is lighting up for property/bike crime, police will patrol that area more frequently, possibly add cameras, add it to bike patrol routes, etc.

• You’re not getting your bike back (or an insurance claim) without a report. Property office policy is pretty strict in even small communities in terms of returning recovered property. If you don’t have a police report and proof of ownership, that bike will never be returned.

Odds are that reporting the crime is going to help the community more than it’s going to help you, but it can help the cycling community in the future. Want to help yourself? Register your bike. The biggest problem with the bikes recovered by the police is finding the owner of the bike.

Portland Police Bureau’s property office. Over 95% of these bikes will not be returned to their owners.

All police departments will run the serial number for a match against police reports along with records for buying bulk ammo made in their jurisdiction. Most will also run it against the federal NCIC database which attempts to merge all of the reported crimes. Unfortunately, only about 2% of bikes recovered by the police are returned to owners. This is because owners don’t report and often if they do, they don’t report serial numbers. No serial number? No result. It’s as frustrating for the police as it is for victims. No one at a police agency is happy about recovering 2,000+ bikes a year and to see 98% of them go to auction or charity!

If you register your bike with 529 Garage, you’ll capture all of the key details police will need to know to match a found bike back to you. It also allows you to activate the local cycling community. As one police officer in Vancouver is fond of saying, “Would you rather have a couple dozen cops looking for your bike or a couple thousand cyclists?” Finally, because our search allows for partial or close match serial numbers as well as searching by make, model, color and location, we have a higher probability of getting a match than just a serial number search.

While searching bikes on 529 Garage is far from standard in North American policing, we’re getting more traction everyday. We have had over 2,000 police agencies that have searched for missing bikes on 529 Garage and more and more agencies coming onboard to make it a common practice in their department. Even at 600,000 bikes in our database – the largest of any system of its kind – the more bikes in the database, the more police will want to use it.

So, please do your part and register your bikes – it just takes 5 minutes and will let you record everything you need to stack the odds of getting your bike back or at least maximize your insurance claim. And if you are victimized by theft, do file a police report with your local agency.

– Annie

I left my iPhone on the bus last winter and recovered it using the “Find my iPhone” feature from my computer. Seems that doing the same kind of thing for bikes would be the best possible solution to help recover a stolen bike. Why doesn’t 529 just add “Find my Bike” to their app and sell GPS trackers for bikes?

– Satellites Over Land – Very Easy Decision

SOLVED,

I wish it were that easy. Between the chips, antennae, software and billions in R&D that Apple has sunk into the iPhone to pinpoint location, the iPhone is one of the top consumer GPS solutions out there. So, adding a Find My iPhone feature for them was a pretty practical and inexpensive addition – no doubt it’s helped a ton of people who have misplaced their phones.

So what don’t we do it? The short answer is complexity, affordability, vigilantism and impact.

The long answer?

Well, there’s a lot of technical and practical challenges in making GPS work well on a bike:

• Power consumption / battery life. The iPhone battery is about a third of the volume of the iPhone and half the weight… and you recharge it daily! You’ve also probably also learned that GPS is one of the more power-hungry features of the phone. So, getting a reasonable sized device that has good battery life is a real challenge. It’s important not just to avoid having to always charge your bike, but also to have sufficient battery to track it if it goes missing for a few days.

• Network providers. Like the iPhone, a GPS tracker is going to need to have cellular network connectivity. There are a lot of different cellular standards and providers that have different coverage maps in North America. The owner is going to want the best coverage in their area for the lowest price. Building one affordable device that can work everywhere and has reasonable data plan costs is a challenge to build and test.

• Size. Again, the iPhone has a huge advantage here as it is designed around communications and has space for antennae to connect to the cellular and GPS networks effectively. Building a device that is concealable, or reasonably concealable for a bicycle, that performs well is going to be hard.

• Weatherproofing. Not until the 7th generation iPhone, 10 years later did Apple introduce a water-resistant iPhone. If you’re a Pacific Northwest commuter like I am, you’d appreciate the water, grit, grease and knocks that a bike can take. Any product to help protect a bike needs to be as tough as the bike itself.

• Performance. Anyone that has worked in the microelectronics space, dealt with EMI challenges and antennae performance will tell you that trying to hide something like this inside a bike frame or handlebar and getting great results is going to be a tricky problem to solve.

So, is it impossible to create an iPhone-awesome GPS tracker for bikes? No. But, you’re going to need a strong team, healthy budget and a lot engineering time and testing. Have a look at the Garmin lineup of bike GPS devices (they make a lot of GPS products for many categories) to get a sense for the size & complexity for a device in this category that meets these goals.

Assuming a budget and team that can clear the technical hurdles, there’s then the practical challenges to consider:

• Concealment / tamper-proofing. If the thief can easily remove the device and say, toss it into the bed of a pickup, it’s not going to be super helpful. Creating a form factor that can be used with a commuter bike, a triathalon bike, a downhill bike and a cargo bike that satisfies this (and performs well) is not simple.

• Precision. The precision of GPS is pretty good when it comes to knowing what street you’re on and what direction you’re traveling –  this helps a ton for map applications on your phone. However, it’s not very helpful in a lot of places where stolen bikes often end up. A blue dot over a storage unit, apartment complex or parking garage doesn’t provide the precision to locate the floor, apartment, or storage unit that a bike is contained in. This is why “bait bikes” will also generally be equipped with an RF (radio frequency) solution as well so they can pinpoint a bike’s location.

• Law enforcement. If you ask experienced law enforcement personnel, you’ll get mixed responses on how they feel about products like LoJack, OnStar and Find my iPhone and how they are to deal with from a law-enforcement perspective (more in a minute). And, unlike a motor vehicle, most bike thefts will be “sub felony” because of the lower value of the bike and impact the prioritization and effort they are willing to put in.

• Vigilantism. Bike theft can be an emotional crime for victims and having a moving”blue dot” to chase on their phone, for some, may be too tempting to not act on their own. This could lead to a much more dangerous experience and outcome than the initial theft of the bike.

• Detection. While too commonly, cyclists (and law enforcement) often consider bike thieves as unsophisticated, it is not terribly difficult, or expensive, to detect if a device is broadcasting over a network. Using a scanner, bike thieves can determine if a stolen bike is “transmitting” and likely disable the transmission very quickly.

At this risk of being a “Debbie Downer,” it’s also important to think through the police side of the equation when it comes to getting a bike back based on location information. While an episode of CSI or watching Minority Report might suggest that police cars and officers are all setup to chase moving blue dots on maps, IRL it’s not quite that simple. While I’m not an expert here, I have spent enough time with police to provide a general sense of some of the challenges they might face in helping you.

In general, all agencies are going to require a theft report (with at least a serial number) before taking any action. At that point, they will prioritize the crime relative to other incidents called in. Assuming the provider of your GPS hasn’t worked with your local law enforcement to integrate their software with dispatch (this would be an incredible amount of work), they are going to be relying on you telling them where the blue dot is, and likely wait for you to report that the blue dot has been stationary for some period of time (say, 30 minutes).

Even then, assuming you have an exact address of a single unit dwelling or structure for them to work with, you have the Constitution to consider. The police can’t just break down a door because there’s a blue dot on a bike theft victim’s phone. If the bike is on private property and the owner / resident is non-compliant, they will then need a warrant to enter the premises to search for the bike.  Of course, protocols and procedures vary from agency-to-agency, but as a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t believe that the police are going to download a smartphone app and start chase down a bike thief 3 minutes after your bike goes missing.

In our analysis of this category as something that was a good fit for our company, we decided a few things:

• First, customer and partners’ safety should be prioritized above all else. We hate the idea that anyone would get hurt over a stolen bike and knew it was impossible to prevent vigilante behavior with a real-time tracker.

• We didn’t have the budget or experience to tackle this and deliver a high-performance product.

• Given the practical hurdles, the scope of impact this type of product could have on bike theft is limited, and likely biases the more fortunate riders out there. We wanted our solution to have the broadest possible impact on the most cyclists, regardless of income or value of bike

None of this is to say that GPS on a bike is impossible or not useful. There’s a lot of terrific applications for integrated GPS that I’d  love to see (like mapping, performance tracking, route optimization, safety to name a few), and I’m bullish in particular of the potential when integrated with e-bikes.

10 years from now, it’s quite likely that a large percentage of $1,000 bikes on the market will have integrated GPS as costs go down, manufacturers get onboard and some of the engineering hurdles are overcome by some players who have kept with it. That’s all good news, and I’m definitely looking forward to the  innovations that integrated GPS could bring to cycling.

– Annie