Preventing Bicycle Thefts and Voluntary Bicycle Licensing
Preventing Bicycle Thefts and Voluntary Bicycle Licensing
June 1, 2021
Many families have purchased new bicycles or restored older bicycles in anticipation of warmer temperatures and opportunities to go bike riding. The Cedar Rapids Police Department would like to offer theft prevention tips to keep your bike safe and secure:
- Always use a U-lock. Never use only a cable lock. A hardened-steel U-lock is much more difficult and time-consuming for a thief to steal a bicycle than a cheaper, lightweight cable lock.
- Lock your wheel and frame together.
- Use a bike rack (sign poles are not as secure).
- When possible, do not park your bike on the sidewalk or street overnight.
- Lock your bike in a well-lit and well-traveled area.
- Take lights and other easily removed items with you.
- Write down your serial number. It is also very helpful to have a picture of your bicycle and, if possible, the original sales receipt.
Bicycle licensing in Cedar Rapids is optional, but may be a means of getting your bicycle returned if it is later recovered by the Police Department. Cedar Rapids has a one-time licensing fee. Licenses are $5 and are good for as long as you own your bicycle. The Police Department records information about your bicycle, including the serial number. Even if the license sticker is torn off, when the recovered bicycle's serial number is checked with computer records, the serial number will still show the registered owner's name.
If you choose not to license your bicycle, you must record the serial number and keep the number in a safe place. If the bicycle is stolen, call the Police Department Records Division at (319) 286-5350 and report the theft, description and serial number to them. With dozens of bicycles recovered every year, it is almost impossible to return a bike to you unless you have recorded the serial number or it has been licensed.
To obtain a bicycle license, visit the Police Department website at https://cms8.revize.com/revize/cedarrapids/local_government/departments_g_-_v/police/bicycle_licensing.php. The licensing form can be completed, printed and mailed to the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Bicycle license applications are also available at the front desk of the Cedar Rapids Police Station, 505 1st Street SW.
In 2020, there were 188 bicycles reported stolen in Cedar Rapids. Through May 20, 2021, there have been 47 bicycles stolen this year.
