Why Registering Your Bike Matters: Join Us at East Village RiverWalk Plaza on October 4 & 5
Bike theft is one of the biggest barriers to active transportation in urban centers. Every year, thousands of bicycles are stolen across Alberta, and while law enforcement officers recover hundreds of them, the vast majority can never be returned to their owners simply because the serial numbers were never recorded.
As Alberta’s official Bike Index Ambassadors, Alberta Bike Swap is working to change that.
On Sunday, October 4 and Monday, October 5, we are hosting a free, public Bike Index registration clinic at East Village RiverWalk Plaza in direct partnership with the Calgary Police Service.
Event Details & Schedule
We’ve structured this two-day event to serve all types of local cyclists:
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Sunday, October 4 1230-3: Geared toward weekend recreational riders, families, and trail cruisers taking advantage of the Bow River pathway network.
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Monday, October 5 430-6: Set up specifically for daily cycle commuters traveling home from the downtown core.
Why You Should Register Your Bicycle
Registering your ride on Bike Index takes less than five minutes, but the long-term benefits are substantial:
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Official Proof of Ownership: Storing your bike’s serial number, make, model, component details, and photos in a centralized database creates a clear digital record showing the bicycle belongs to you.
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In-the-Field Police Recovery: Calgary Police Service officers use Bike Index right from their patrol units. If an officer checks a bike’s serial number and finds it flagged as stolen, they can immediately seize it and contact you for return.
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Disrupts the Stolen Bike Market: Stolen bikes are hard to sell when registered. Bike shops, secondary buyers, and online marketplaces routinely check Bike Index before purchasing pre-owned rides.
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Free Tamper-Evident Frame Decals: During the event, our team will apply a specialized, police-approved Bike Index sticker to your frame. These decals serve as a strong visual deterrent to potential thieves.
How to Prepare
All you need to do is bring your bicycle down to RiverWalk Plaza during event hours along with your smartphone! Our team of volunteers and Calgary Police representatives will help you capture your serial number, upload photos, and complete your registration on the spot.
Protect your investment, support local crime prevention, and help us build a safer cycling community. See you on the pathway!
