Bicycle Registration
Did you know?
As many as 3,000 bicycles are reported stolen each year in Winnipeg.
The City of Winnipeg recovers up to 1,000 bicycles each year, with less than 10% returned to their rightful owners.
The City of Winnipeg sells hundreds of bicycles every year at its Annual Bicycle Auction because ownership cannot be traced.
The best way to protect your bicycle is with a good lock and to register it with the City of Winnipeg Bicycle Recovery Section.
With registration, if your stolen bicycle is located, you will be notified immediately and arrangements can be made for you to get your bicycle back.
In order to register your bicycle(s), you will require the serial number(s) and your credit card information. You will also be given the opportunity to upload up to three photos for each bicycle you register.
Cost of Registration
See Registration Fees.
Serial number
To locate the serial number of your bicycle, look closely at the frame for the imprinted number (not a sticker). Record the serial number exactly as shown on the bike. Numbers starting with "TH" are generally stock numbers and NOT serial numbers.
The diagram below shows the common locations for serial numbers:
If you are still having difficulties locating the serial number, check with the salesperson at the retail outlet where you purchased your bicycle or contact the Bicycle Recovery Section at 311.
Stolen Bicycle
If your bicycle has been stolen, your first course of action should be to make a report by either:
- Calling the Winnipeg Police at 204-986-6222;
- Using the Winnipeg Police online reporting system; or
- Visiting a Winnipeg Police Service Centre.
Before making your report, have your bicycle’s serial number and any unique marks/engravings (distinguishable meaning unique to that individual bicycle, not a group of bicycles) that will aid in matching your report to the bicycles found.
Recovered Bicycles
If you have a good description of your stolen bicycle (serial number, colour, etc.), you may also notify the Bicycle Recovery Office via 311. The Bicycle Recovery Officer receives Stolen Bicycle Reports from the Police and checks the City’s inventory of recovered bicycles.
Annual Bicycle Auction
The City of Winnipeg holds a bicycle auction every April. View the Annual Bicycle Auction page for more details.
Recycling and Disposing of Bicycles
You can drop off your old or unwanted bicycle at any of the 4R Winnipeg Depots. From there, the bicycles will either be repaired for reuse or recycled.