Over 58.2 million people ride bicycles in the U.S. and Canada, making it more important than ever to stay informed about the latest trends in bike theft. To help, we’ve created a comprehensive list of the most recent bike theft statistics as of 2025, including:

• The prevalence of bike theft today
  
• When/Where/How bikes are most likely to be stolen
  
• Which bikes get stolen the most
  
• Statistics on reported bike theft and recovery
  
• How to protect your bike from theft

We’ve gathered data from our own extensive bike registry—the most widely-used platform of its kind—along with insights from our research collaborations with University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and SPAR Lab, and the latest FBI crime data statistics to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date trends in bike theft.

Share these bike theft stats with your friends and community so we can all stay informed and take action to end bike theft for good.

Interested in learning more? Download the full 2025 Bike Theft Report here.

How Common Is Bicycle Theft?

Bike theft accounts for an average of 3% of all larceny-thefts reported in FBI crime data. However, this statistic only covers the reported cases. Most bike thefts go unreported, meaning the true scale of the issue is likely much larger.

The Bike Index registry showed a 15% increase in reported bicycle thefts in 2024, showing that bike theft is not only common, but also on the rise. This makes knowing how and where to protect your bike is even more necessary.

In the latest academic study investigating the actual number of bicycle thefts in the U.S. (released January 2025), The Institute of Transportation Studies of University of California Davis, The Department of Geography at University of California Santa Barbara, and Bike Index, in partnership with YouGov revealed that 2,376,578 bicycles are stolen annually in the U.S.

This makes bicycles 2.5x more likely to be stolen than a car, and the total value of stolen bicycles in the U.S. totaling over $1.4 billion.

The Most Common Ways Bikes Are Stolen

Bicycles are stolen through a variety of methods, but certain patterns appear consistently. Based on Bike Index’s surveys and data, here are some common ways thieves typically operate:

1. Unlocked Sheds and Garages: In our 2023 survey with UCSB and Spar Labs, 66% of bikes stolen from sheds or garages were left unlocked. This underscores a common misconception that these locations are secure. When thieves breach the outer lock, they can easily walk away with the bike.
   We recommend making your bicycle hard to steal no matter where it is by doubling the number of locks, locking to something solid that cannot be easily removed by thieves, and using motion alarms. (Find more tips on securing your bike here.)
   
2. Outdoor Bike Racks: Surprisingly, even the most secure locks can be compromised in public areas. According to our 2023 survey, 95% of bikes stolen from outdoor racks were locked, and even U-locks can be cut with the right tools.

Where Are Bikes Most Likely to Be Stolen?

Understanding where bike thefts are most likely to occur is key to protecting your bike. Our 2023 survey with UCSB and Spar Labs found that:

• Sheds or Garages
  Most stolen bikes were taken from sheds or garages (28%). 57% of these thefts happened at night, and 66% of the bikes were left unlocked.
  
• Outdoor Bike Racks
  The second most common place where a bike was stolen (per our survey) was outdoor bike racks. 18% of thefts occurred here. 95% of these bikes were locked, but 40% were stolen in the afternoon.

Our latest research in partnership with UCSB and SPAR Labs revealed that 59% of bike thefts occurred in residential areas.

When Are Bikes Most Likely to Be Stolen?

Timing plays a crucial role in bike theft. Our 2023 survey revealed that:

• Most bicycles are stolen during the night (41%)
  
• Only 9% of bike thefts occur in the morning, making it the least likely time for a bike to be stolen.

Seasonal Trends: The Official Bike Theft Season

Bike theft is also seasonal. As the weather gets warmer, more bikes are stolen, with the peak month being August.

We refer to this as "bike theft season," which spans from May to September. Thieves take advantage of warmer weather when more bikes are on the street, often at less secure outdoor racks or unlocked sheds and garages.

What Makes a Bike More Likely to Be Stolen?

Thieves look for bikes that are easy to steal. Factors that make a bike more vulnerable include:

• Cheap or Easily Cut Locks: Cable locks are especially vulnerable to being cut quickly.
  
• Unlocked Bikes: Bikes left unsecured in sheds, garages, or public spaces are prime targets.

The harder you make it for thieves to steal your bike, the less likely it is to be taken. Use high-quality locks, lock to immovable objects, and consider using motion alarms for added security.

What Type of Bike Gets Stolen the Most?

Not all bikes are equally likely to be stolen. According to our 2023 survey:

• Hybrid, City, Dutch, and Mountain Bikes are the most commonly stolen types of bikes, accounting for 31% of thefts.
  
• Bike Value: 46% of stolen bikes had a value of less than $1,000, making them more attractive targets for thieves.

How Often Are E-Bikes Stolen?

As e-bikes have surged in popularity, they’ve also become a prime target for thieves. Our 2023 survey showed that 12% of stolen bikes were e-bikes, which is likely to continue rising as electric bicycles become more widespread.

Are Entire Bikes or Parts Most Often Stolen?

Our 2023 survey data shows that 99% of stolen bikes are complete bicycles, not parts. This suggests that most thieves are after the entire bike rather than individual components.

Does Locking Your Bike Prevent Theft?

While locking your bike is one of the best ways to deter theft, it's not foolproof. According to our UCSB and Spar Labs' 2023 survey:

• 59% of stolen bikes were locked at the time of theft.
  
• 35% used cable locks, which are the easiest to cut.
  
• 26% used U-locks, which are more secure but still vulnerable to certain types of attacks.

For the best protection, we recommend using a combination of locks to lock both wheels to the frame and the object you’re locking your bike to, as well as putting a U-lock through the rear wheel and triangle.

Read more tips to prevent your bike from getting stolen here.

Statistics on Reported Bike Theft and Recovery

At Bike Index, we pride ourselves on being the leader in recovering stolen bikes. Despite our work, many stolen bikes are never returned.

Here are the latest stats on reported bike theft numbers and the recovery of stolen bikes.

Reported Bike Theft Stats

According to the latest FBI data, an estimated 127,646 bicycles (3% of all larceny thefts) were reported stolen in 2023. This shows a slight increase from 2022’s 126,153 reported stolen bikes.

Unfortunately, these crime data numbers are not entirely reliable. Since 2021, 37% fewer law enforcement agencies have been reporting their local crime statistics to the FBI.

In our 2023 survey of bike theft victims, only 37% of bike theft victims reported the theft to the police.

Stolen Bicycle Recovery Stats

From the same 2023 survey with UCSB and SPAR Labs, police were involved in 63% of stolen bike recoveries, with 39% of stolen bikes recovered in person by police, and 24% assisted by phone or email.

In communities where bike registration is prevalent and supported by local municipalities, law enforcement, bike shops, and community organizations, we’ve seen and incredible impact on stolen bike recoveries.

For example, in 2020, Calgary doubled its stolen bike recovery rate from 12% to 21.5% within a year of introducing Bike Index to the community.

The Impact of Bike Theft

Bike theft doesn’t just leave you without your ride—it can significantly impact your life. In a 2017 study by Bike Index, we found that:

• 47% of participants reported that the theft of their bike affected their ability to get to and from work.
  
• 49% of bike theft victims took over a month to replace their stolen bike, and 11% of bike theft victims never replaced their stolen bike.

Best Practices for Bike Protection

To reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of recovering your bike, here are some essential steps:

1. Register Your Bike: Registering your bike makes it easier for law enforcement to identify and return it if stolen. It also makes it harder for thieves to sell or dispose of it.

2. Properly Secure Your Bike: Always use at least one high-quality U-lock for the frame and wheels, and keep it locked (even in “secure” rooms or areas). Use additional tools like motion alarms, cameras, and additional locks to keep your bike secure.

3. Get Your Community Involved: Work with local bike shops and organizations to promote bike registration and anti-theft measures. Community engagement plays a significant role in preventing theft and recovering stolen bikes.

Conclusion

Bicycle theft is a real and growing problem, but by understanding the statistics and trends, you can take proactive steps to protect your bike. From using multiple high-quality locks to registering your bike with Bike Index, plenty of strategies can make your bike less attractive to thieves.

Together, we can reduce bike theft and improve recovery rates around the globe, ensuring that all cyclists can enjoy their rides with peace of mind.

Interested in more bike theft stats? Download the full 2025 Bike Theft Report here.