VICTORIA, BC — While bike ownership and usage are trending up in Victoria, data shows that bike thefts are declining. In 2024, 377 bikes were reported stolen in Victoria – the lowest number seen since 2011, and 28 per cent lower than 2022.
“We’re thrilled to see that our efforts to reduce bike thefts are making a difference,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “When people feel safe leaving their bikes while they shop, dine or do business, it contributes to a more vibrant downtown and improves our sense of community."
In 2022, Council allocated $500,000 in funding to improve secure bike parking. That summer, the City piloted the Downtown Victoria Bike Valet and parked an average of 83 bikes per day in its first season. In 2024, the valet was open year-round for the first time, and summer 2024 saw an average of 202 bikes per day.
The City’s efforts to combat bike theft are not limited to the Bike Valet. In 2023, the City launched Borrow a Bike Lock, making high-quality locks available to borrow for free at over 30 partner locations across Victoria including businesses, schools and community centres. The City regularly installs bike racks in well-lit, high-traffic areas, and covered bike shelters have been installed at eight schools across Victoria. For new buildings, City staff review every development application to ensure that enough high-quality, covered and secure bike parking is being built.
“We want people to be comfortable biking anywhere in Victoria,” said Ross Kenny, Assistant Director of Transportation. “That means having secure, convenient bike parking options at your destination in addition to high-quality bike routes to get you there. As we’ve built out our cycling network, we’ve also been investing in services, infrastructure and programs to reduce bike theft.”
The City also uses signage, social media and outreach to promote bike security best practices such as:
• Locking in secure areas and using the bike valet when possible.
• Using a high-quality lock, even when in a secure area.
• When parking on-street, choosing a well-lit, high-traffic location like a busy sidewalk or outside a cafe window.
• Locking to the frame and using a second lock when possible to lock multiple parts of the bike.
• Registering with Garage 529 to make it easier to report and recover your bike in the event of a theft.
Garage 529 is the registration system used by the Victoria Police Department to help report and return stolen bikes to their owners. Since 2020, over 14,000 bikes have been registered in Victoria and 150 stolen bikes have been recovered through the program. Bike valet staff can help register bikes to Garage 529 for free and registration is also offered at most local bike shops.
For more information on the Downtown Victoria Bike Valet, other secure bike parking options or to request a public bike rack, visit victoria.ca/bikeparking.
Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca