Workshop TR 6.2, Thursday 22 June, 9.00 - 10.30

Bicycle theft: dissuader of bicycle use

Nicolas Mercat,  Research Director, ALTERMODAL research consultancy, Chambery, France. Frédéric Héran, Researcher at FRESI & Senior Lecturer at the University of Lille, France  Bike security and theft prevention ALTERMODAL and IFERSI-CNRS have combined to complete a study of cycle theft in France. Although this issue is poorly understood, it is known to have a strong disincentive effect on cycle use nationally. Some of the interesting results of this study were that: - 50% of cyclists suffered a theft in the last ten years - Four types of theft account for 80% of all thefts - 50% of all cycle thefts occur on private property, and especially in high-rise buildings - The main causes of theft are the quality of the security systems, and the behavior of cyclists themselves Theft is of strategic importance to the development of cycle use, as theft mainly affects those groups of people who are most likely to change their habits. This issue can be solved at a lower cost than for security, and so, theft prevention must be a major focus. The study also revealed that the areas for future action should include: - Urban development policy, particularly to counter the threat of theft in high-rise buildings. - An improved understanding of theft and anti-theft measures which can be used by policy-makers, architects and housing offices. - Measures to encourage an increased awareness among users of theft as an issue, and its prevention through working with the police and non-profit organizations. To develop a better understanding of theft, and, in co-ordination with the police, to monitor the impact of policies which have been implemented. The presentation will describe in detail the important results of the study, and also the outcome of policy implementation in several French cities.

Guus Wesselink, director Stichting Aanpak Voertuigcriminaliteit, the Netherlands Bicycle theft, the Dutch experience One disadvantage of the high levels of bicycle use in the Netherlands is also that the phenomenon of bicycle theft is widespread. A profile of typical categories of bicycle thieves will be given for better understanding of the problem, but this of course does not tackle the problem. The first thing to improve the situation is of course the prevention of theft: the more cautious behaviour of cyclists, better locks and improved security of bicycle parking facilities, and a visible presence of the police can all help. However, this will never completely solve the problem. Therefore it is important to have an identification system for bicycles, which enables stolen bicycles to be traced. Several attempts have been made to set up a system based upon engraving postal codes, but this was not a success. At present the problem is tackled within the framework of an Integral Safety Programme, with the involvement of social organisations and the industry. So-called "tags" (computer chips) have been chosen as a means of vehicle identification. A condition for success is that manufacturers start to place tags in all new bicycles. A system will also have to be set up for effective procedures for registration and control.