Bike Registration Returns

Local bike registration is making a comeback.

Residents may remember a time when registering a new bicycle meant going to the local firehouse during certain hours to perform the task.

The City of Long Beach abandoned the program and bike registration has not been required since 2011. Residents wanting to register their bikes had to rely primarily on the non-LBPD-linked National Bike Registry and the 529 Garage online registry programs.

But the City Council voted unanimously March 20 to bring bike registration back at the local level.

“Addressing bike theft has become a big focus for me because every day we see bikes stolen and there is little the police can do to address this if they cannot prove ownership of the bike and the crime goes unreported,” said Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price during the meeting.

“Stolen bikes are chronically used as currency for drug purchases. Primarily the drugs that we’ve seen them use for purchases are heroin and methamphetamine,” said Price, who also is an experienced deputy district attorney.

The approved agenda item directs the city manager to develop a free, voluntary bike registration program for Long Beach residents that will partner with 529 Garage. And an education campaign to let residents know of the new service and the benefits of bicycle registration will be implemented.

“I think moving forward with an online bicycle program is the best approach,” said Director of Public Works Craig Beck during the meeting. “We have worked with our colleagues in the police department. They are very supportive in going in this direction and we look forward to getting it up and running for the community.”

Beck later said through email that the service to register bikes will be online and free.

“Staff is still working on the logistics on the roll-out and promotion of the site,” he said. “Likely in the next 45 days.”

Independent from registering bikes online, LBPD Public Information Officer Nancy Pratt said it’s essential that people report stolen bikes to the police – and have the serial number handy. This way the police can cross-match the data against recovered bikes to find the rightful owners.

 kirt@beachcomber.news