The primary reason to register a bike is that you can prove it’s yours in the event that it’s stolen and in the event that it’s recovered with the serial number intact. Police can match up rightful owners with recovered bikes in the course of solving and fighting crime. By registration of the bicycle serial number and the issuance of a license emblem, positive identification of ownership is enhanced. This alone acts as a deterrence to theft. Plus you get a shiny sticker with numbers on it!
Thank you to city staff who made this a reality! No more excuses to not having your bike registered.
" We are very happy to announce an online system to make it easier for community members to register their bikes and receive a bicycle license sticker. Not only are bicycle license stickers a deterrent to thieves, but in case your bike is lost or stolen, the bicycle license registration may aide police in finding your bicycle. This registration is free and never expires! If you have already registered your bike and have a sticker you do not need to re-register."
Bicycle License Registration
Contact bikereg@cityofsantacruz.com with any bicycle license registration questions.
This is Mr. Titonidae Wilden, 32 years-old and lists an address in Aptos.
We found him riding a stolen bicycle that had been taken about two weeks prior. After some follow up work, we knew he would be riding a stolen bicycle, we just had to find him.The bike is an $1,800 Surly Moonlander.
The victim did not report the theft until several days after the theft occurred. Between the date of the theft and the date of the report, we learned our suspect had listed the bicycle on Craigslist for $1,500. Not only that, but he came to the police department and registered the bike in his name! He used that to add "legitimacy" to his Craigslist ad.
Had the bike been previously registered, or the theft reported immediately, we would have arrested Mr. Wilden as he rode up to the self-service “please arrest me” window.
https://santacruzpolice.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-you-should-register-your-bikes-and.html
Locking Your Bike
Many bikes are easily stolen because they are not locked. Your first line of defense is a good lock, properly used. Lightweight cable or chain locks are easily cut and offer little protection.
Great resource to find out more about keeping your bike safe!
