Why Register Your Bicycle?

Boise Police recover many lost and stolen bikes each year. The Bike Index helps us return your bike to you. If your bike is stolen, you already have the serial number for the police report in your Bike Index account. If you lose your bike and we find it, we have the information to get your bike back to you.

How to Register Your Bike

Go to www.cityofboise.org/bikeindex. Be sure to include a picture of your bike. You will receive an email through Bike Index asking you to confirm your bike in the system. Confirm your bike and start your Bike Index account. You can add more bikes under your account and additional pictures of your bike’s distinguishing features.

If you do not receive an email from Bike Index your bike registration might not have gone through.  Try to fill out the form again, run your serial number in Bike Index, or send us an email to check.  [email protected].

Where Is Your Serial Number?

On most bicycles, the serial number will be engraved on the bottom bracket. Simply turn your bike over and look between the pedals. Some bikes have multiple sets of numbers. It is best to enter each set of numbers/letters followed by a space between each group.

Other tips to protect your bike?

 Cable locks should never be used as a primary means of locking a bike. Cheaper and older U-locks can often be broken without any tools too.  At the minimum use a higher quality U-lock.

Aim to have the hardest bike to steal on the rack.  Two U-locks, or a U-lock and one heavy-duty cable, will help you achieve this.

Don’t rely on foot traffic alone to keep your bike safe; years of reports have taught us that many thefts, particularly those involving cutting cable locks, occur under the cover of crowd activity or in front of bustling cafés or restaurants.

Don’t rely on the presence of cameras to keep your bike secure.  Security footage can help police, but thieves often cover-up to conceal their identity.

Tug on whatever you’re about to lock to make sure it can’t be easily removed. Signposts can be easily removed by unbolting them and some are already unattached.  Chain link fences can be more easily cut than your lock.

Bicycles can be stolen from public garages or storerooms. Lock your bike securely to an immovable object even if in a “secure” place.