Spring is here and it’s time to get your bicycle ready for summer. If you haven’t registered your bicycle yet, now is the perfect time!
Every year, more than 3,000 bicycles are reported stolen in Winnipeg. Last May, we started using 529 Garage, a free bicycle registry that is accessible to hundreds of police services across Canada and the United States. In the first eight months of its use, over 6,300 bicycles were registered in Winnipeg.
“Our goal is to help you keep your bicycle safe,” said Terry Cormier, the City’s Licensing Coordinator. “Registering it with 529 Garage helps us work together towards this goal.”
When you register your bicycle, you are helping us help you get your bicycle back, in the event it is stolen.
Register your bicycle for free
Registering your bicycle is quick and easy. And best of all—it’s free! Simply download the 529 Garage app or visit the 529 Garage website.
You can also buy an optional shield decal directly from 529 Garage to let potential thieves know your bicycle is registered.
“This tamper-proof sticker provides a visible theft deterrent and lets thieves know the bicycle is registered with 529 Garage,” said Terry.
Each shield includes a unique registration number that can link to your bicycle's registration, acting like a licence plate.
When we find a stolen bicycle, we check the registry to try and reunite it to its owner.
Report a stolen bicycle
If your registered bicycle has been stolen, you can set an alert on 529 Garage and then report it to Police. You can call them at 204-986-6222, make an online report, or visit a Winnipeg Police Service Centre.
Because 529 Garage is used by hundreds of police services, there is a good chance a stolen bicycle will be returned to its rightful owner.
Help us put an end to bicycle theft and keep your bicycle safe by registering it with 529 Garage today!