This Wednesday, June 28 is Bike to Work Day and to help celebrate, the Denver Police Department is organizing bike registration events across the city with the help of Project 529.
"A bike is stolen every 30 seconds in North America. To truly combat bike theft, you need communities to work together and now thanks to the efforts of the City of Denver and the Denver Police Departments, the local cycling community can do just that," said Rob Brunt, Project 529 Chief Outreach Officer and 30-year police veteran.
Last month, the Project 529 organization launched the 529 Garage system in Denver. It functions as a digital bicycle registration and tracking platform that has helped reduce bicycle thefts by 40% over three years.
This week, DPD and Project 529 will be hosting registration events on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bike owners who register will get a free 529 Shield, made possible by Denver Councilman Paul Kashmann, which is an optional, tamper-resistant decal with a unique seven-character ID code that serves as a visible deterrent to thieves.
"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Project 529 garage to Denver," Kashmann said. "Last year Denver police recovered 400 bicycles that they couldn't return to their rightful owners because they weren't properly registered. This easy to use program is proven to reduce bicycle theft and increase recovery. Cycling security in Denver has moved into the 20th century."
The 529 Garage system helps create a detailed web of information between cyclists and law enforcement.
By registering, cyclists are able to join a secure platform that will allow them to share detailed reports with law enforcement and insurance agencies about stolen bikes. It also gives law enforcement data to help investigate suspicious activity, visualize theft hotspots and determine the ownership of recovered bikes.
Once registered, bicycle owners can opt into adding a 529 shield that functions similarly to security signs that homeowners put on their lawns.
"As someone who was on the front lines of law enforcement for three decades, I have seen how the lack of registration and inadequate reporting makes determining ownership of recovered bikes near-impossible," Brunt said. "I have also seen how effective the 529 app is for tackling this problem."
Registration with the 529 Garage is free across the United States via their mobile app and website.
Here's where and when Denverites can register their bikes with the help of 529 Garage representatives and get their free 529 Shield decal:
- College View Recreation Center, Tuesday, June 27, 12-2 p.m..
- REI, 1416 Platte St., Wednesday, June 28, 6-10 a.m.
- Civic Center Park, in front of City & County Building, Wednesday, June 28, 6-10:30 a.m.
- Skyline Park, Wednesday, June 28, 6:30-9 a.m.
- 7352 E. 29th Ave, Wednesday, June 28, 6:30-9:30 a.m.
- Cherry Creek North Drive and University Blvd., Bike Path Southeast Corner, Wednesday, June 28, 7-10 a.m.
