Findings presents results from a survey of over 1,800 bike theft victims in the US and Canada, mostly via BikeIndex.org. Most thefts occurred overnight or in sheds/garages, often with bikes left unlocked. Outdoor racks were also common theft sites, usually with bikes locked. Only 17% of thefts were reported to police, and recovery rates were low (15%), though higher when thefts were reported to police, registries, and social media. E-bikes made up 12% of thefts. Police support and registration increased recovery chances, and many recovered bikes were found online. The study highlights chronic underreporting, the importance of multi-channel reporting, and the need for better owner documentation. Recovery rates varied by city, with higher rates where police collaborated with registration platforms.
