Le Soir writes that Belgian authorities have launched “mybike,” the country’s first national voluntary bike registry, to combat theft and facilitate the return of stolen bikes. The system allows all Belgians to register their bikes for free and mark them with a unique QR code sticker. Police and justice services have access to the database, enabling quick identification and owner contact when stolen bikes are recovered. The registry is expected to deter theft, help buyers of used bikes check for theft status, and streamline police investigations. The article notes that most thefts occur in public spaces and that bike theft remains a major barrier to cycling, especially for new or low-income cyclists. Authorities hope the new system will encourage more cycling and support climate goals by reducing theft-related deterrents.
