Array
(
    [a] => Array
        (
            [href] => 1
            [title] => 1
        )

    [abbr] => Array
        (
            [title] => 1
        )

    [acronym] => Array
        (
            [title] => 1
        )

    [b] => Array
        (
        )

    [blockquote] => Array
        (
            [cite] => 1
        )

    [cite] => Array
        (
        )

    [code] => Array
        (
        )

    [del] => Array
        (
            [datetime] => 1
        )

    [em] => Array
        (
        )

    [i] => Array
        (
        )

    [q] => Array
        (
            [cite] => 1
        )

    [s] => Array
        (
        )

    [strike] => Array
        (
        )

    [strong] => Array
        (
        )

    [span] => Array
        (
            [lang] => Array
                (
                )

        )

    [u] => Array
        (
        )

    [ul] => Array
        (
        )

    [li] => Array
        (
        )

    [br] => Array
        (
        )

)

Monday July 28 2025

GARAGE 529: AN INCREASINGLY EFFECTIVE APP FOR COMBATING BICYCLE THEFT

As we mentioned back in 2021, Garage 529 has become an essential tool for preventing bicycle theft in Quebec. As the number of thefts continues to rise—more than 2,600 bikes reported stolen in Montreal in 2023, compared to 1,757 in 2020—this collaborative solution is proving more useful than ever.

AN INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Launched in Seattle in 2013, Garage 529 is now available throughout North America. The idea is simple: cyclists register their bikes for free on the platform, providing the serial number, photos, and some basic information. In the event of theft, they can issue an alert that is immediately broadcast to the user community: individuals, merchants, police services, etc.

Adopted in Montreal by the SPVM in 2021, the initiative has since expanded to Quebec City, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, and the Sûreté du Québec since 2023. More than 27,800 bikes have been registered in Montreal and nearly 5,000 in Quebec City. Each year, the SPVM organizes around 20 registration operations, during which it distributes free tamper-proof stickers to be affixed to bikes.

A REAL DETERRENT EFFECT

Garage 529 makes it difficult to resell stolen bikes. If someone tries to resell a stolen bike, a simple search on the platform is enough to identify it. Thanks to this visibility, law enforcement agencies are able to return more and more bikes to their owners. The system also has the support of Vélo Québec, which strongly encourages its use.

Before buying a used bike, it is also possible—and advisable—to check the serial number on Garage 529 to make sure it has not been stolen.

A COMPLEMENT TO GOOD HABITS

Securing your bike with a good lock and choosing a safe place to park it are still essential. But registering on Garage 529 adds an extra layer of security that is accessible to everyone and can make all the difference in the event of theft.

Read our previous article, « An app to combat bike theft » (in French).