Bike Registration

In the City of La Crosse, an average 400 or more bikes are recovered by our Property and Evidence section as lost and found bikes. Roughly half of those end up in our City Auction, as the owner was never identified. Also, each year, hundreds of bikes are reported as stolen. Only a fraction of those are recovered by their owners.

How can you help prevent this as a bike owner? Register your bike for free!

The La Crosse Police Department has partnered with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to team up with 529 Garage, an international online bike registration organization that assists in the recovery of lost or stolen bikes and allows community members to be on the lookout, increasing chances of recovery.

Register Your Bike with 529 Garage

You can create an account and register your bike(s) with 529 Garage two different ways:

  1. Download the 529 Garage app on a mobile device.
  2. Visit the 529 Garage website.

During the registration process, you can upload pictures of your bike(s) which can significantly aid in recovery if lost or stolen. You can also indicate what information you would like other 529 Garage users to see, if you ever report your bike as lost or stolen. The La Crosse Police Department can see all of your registration details.

Once registered, you can pick up a 529 Garage Shield that you can affix to your bike(s). Shields are available at the La Crosse Police Department (400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601) or any local bike shop. To get the most out of your shield and its protection, put it in a visible location.

What information do I need when I register?

When registering your bike(s), you will be asked for the following information:

  • Serial Number
  • Manufacturer
  • Model
  • Frame Color
  • Accent Color
  • Bike Type
  • Bike Size
  • Purchase Type
  • Bike Value

All of these fields are optional, but the more information you can give, the better! You will also have the option to add pictures. This can be an invaluable tool when searching for a lost or stolen bike

Not sure what these fields are or where to find them? If you need help completing your bike registration, your local bike shop will be happy to help.

Why should I get a 529 Garage Shield?

As part of the registration process, you have the opportunity to pick up a 529 Garage Shield. This tamperproof sticker can be affixed to your bike. While it can certainly act a deterrent from would-be thieves, it's most important for when someone finds your bike and wants to get it back to you - whether it be a private citizen or the Police.

What if my bike is stolen or lost?

If your bike is stolen or lost, you should report it to your local Police Department. In the City of La Crosse, you can do this two ways:

  1. Contact the non-emergency dispatch line to report at (608) 782-7575.
  2. Submit a new police report online.

You can also report your bike as lost or stolen through 529 Garage! The information you choose to share with other 529 Garage users will be immediately available so they can be on the lookout. It will also be available to the Police Department; however, this program does NOT actively alert local authorities.

What if I think I see a stolen bike?

If you think you see a stolen bike, please call the Police. Do not take matters into your own hands. You can take a photo of the bike and report its whereabouts in the 529 Garage app.

Not sure if a bike is stolen? Scan the bike’s QR code (if it has one) and the app will let you know if the bike has been reported stolen by the owner.

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