Bicycle theft statistics in the USA and how to prevent it

As the use of bicycles in the USA grows year on year, the problem of theft has become a pressing issue, particularly for the many professionals who use them in the course of their work. These workers, who depend on their bikes for their livelihood, are particularly vulnerable to theft. Large American cities, with their high population density and intense traffic, are fertile breeding grounds for these crimes.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the statistics on bicycle theft in the USA, and the background to it.

BIKE THEFT IN THE US: A GROWING PRACTICE

Bicycle theft is a serious problem in the USA. According to a study realized by the bicycle registration company 529 garages, it is estimated that nearly 2 million bicycles are stolen in the United States every year. In the U.S., around 60% of bicycle thefts happen in public places such as sidewalks, parks and parking lots, while 40% occur in private spaces such as yards and garages.

Major cities such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago are particularly hard hit by this scourge. These metropolises, where bicycles are commonly used for business purposes by delivery drivers, couriers and urban workers, record higher rates of bike theft. The high demand for bicycles and the ease of resale on the black market fuel this phenomenon. Unfortunately, the recovery rate for stolen bikes is quite low. Less than 2% of stolen bikes are recovered by the police, and only a fraction of these are returned to their owners.

What Types of Bikes Are Most Stolen in the U.S.?

Some types of bike are more likely to be stolen than others. Here’s an analysis of the types of bikes most targeted by thieves:

  • Mountain bikes: Mountain bikes are often targeted because of their popularity and high value. Quality components and sturdy frames make them an attractive target.
  • Road bikes: Road bikes, especially high-end models, are also very popular with thieves. Their light weight and high price make them prime targets.
  • Electric bikes: With the growing popularity of electric bikes, these have become prime targets for thieves. The added value of the battery and electronic components makes them an attractive target.
  • City bikes: Although often less expensive, city bikes are also frequently stolen, especially when left unattended in public places.

How can I protect my bike against theft?

To protect your bike from theft, you need to take certain precautions. Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of theft.

Precaution 1: park in a strategic location

Choosing the right place to park your bike is crucial to preventing theft. Here are some best practices for choosing a secure parking location:

  • Prefer well-lit, well-frequented areas: Thieves prefer to operate in the dark and in isolated areas. Park your bike in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
  • Use Secure Bike Racks: Attach your bike to a solid, fixed support anchored to the ground. Avoid removable or fragile components that can be easily broken or removed.
  • Avoid long-term parking: Don’t leave your bike parked in one place for long periods. Thieves have more time to target bikes left unattended for days.

Precaution 2: Use an anti-theft device

Using a quality lock is essential to deter thieves. Here are some tips for choosing and using an effective lock:

  • Choose a U-Lock: U-locks are generally more secure than cables or chains. Opt for a robust model with a high-quality lock.
  • Secure Key Components: When locking your bike, ensure that both the frame and a wheel are secured to the bike rack. Use a second lock if necessary to protect the front wheel.
  • Avoid Weak Points: Attach your lock to parts of the bike that cannot be easily detached or cut. Thieves often target the most vulnerable elements.

Precaution 3: options for marking and declaring your bike

Marking your bike with a unique identification number can help deter thieves and facilitate recovery in the event of theft. Several options are available

  • Use an Engraving Kit: Many engraving kits are available on the market, allowing you to permanently mark your bike with a unique number.
  • Register Your Bike: Register your bike in a national or local bike registry database. This can help law enforcement identify and return stolen bikes.
  • Display the Marking Visibly: A visible marking can deter thieves by making the bike harder to resell.
vélo application mobile

PRECAUTION 4: GPS TRACKER, A FIRST STEP INTO IOT

Installed at the initiative of users, installing a GPS tracker can greatly improve the chances of recovering your bike in case of theft. Here’s how it works:

  • Choose a Discreet Tracker: Opt for a GPS tracker that can be hidden in the frame or components of the bike to avoid detection and removal by thieves.
  • Monitor in Real-Time: Modern GPS trackers allow real-time monitoring of your bike’s location via a mobile app.
  • Movement Alert: Some GPS trackers, like those offered by Velco, include alerts in case of suspicious movement of the bike. This allows you to react quickly in case of a theft attempt

THE CONNECTED BIKE: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION TO COMBAT BIKE THEFT

To sustainably combat bike theft, Velco offers innovative solutions to transform a classic bike into a connected and secure bike. By integrating Mobitrax, our premium IoT, electric bike brands choose to differentiate themselves by supporting cyclists in protecting their bikes. Our IoT and software suite solutions are designed to act from deterrence to recovery through features such as real-time geolocation, power cut-off, remote actions, and alarm. All these innovative features are available to our cyclists through Velco Rider, our white-label app designed to offer connected services!