Velo-city 2025
Gdańsk
10-13 June 2025

Cycle with us

                 
   

Programme

Tackling bike theft through bicycle registration - towards a European approach?

18 Jun 2024      11:00 - 12:00       CUBERDON (Orange room)      Panel discussion
Connecting Industries & Sectors
Bike theft is considered to be a major barrier to cycling. Many users who have their bike stolen stop cycling or refrain from acquiring a decent bike because they're afraid it will be stolen. In France and in Belgium bike marking initiatives are in place. In France, since 2021, bike marking is mandatory for new and second-hand bikes sold by retailers. The aim of the system is to fight against theft and reduce stolen bike markets as the fear and statistical reality of bicycle theft are among the main obstacles to the development of the cycling practice. The French bike marking system relies on the active involvement of bike retailers, local authorities, and bike owners.In Belgium a new platform for voluntary bike registration was launched: MyBike. This platform is based on a central database and non-removable stickers with an unique QR-code attached to the bike. Also Decathlon has put forward a solution. But how could a European approach look like? Join this session to work together and see how a bike recovery system common to all Member States could emerge and what would be the main pitfalls to avoid!