FLPD - Bicycle Registration Ordinance

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Bicycle Registration Ordinance

FACTS

Statistics for the past six years have indicated that an average of 1441 bicycles are reported stolen each year in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Approximately 65% of these bicycles are taken in Larceny offenses. Also, 20% are accounted for in Residential Burglaries and about 6% are taken during Armed and Strong Armed Robberies. The monetary value of this loss is estimated at a staggering $2,252,512.

Most people would argue that Bank Robberies are a more serious offense, but over the same time frame, there were an average of 27 Bank Robberies reported each year with the loss estimated at approximately $405,478.

These statistics do not take into consideration the emotional loss suffered by the victims. Bicycle Theft victims are usually young children and the results of a criminal act against them can leave a lasting impression about their safety.

When comparing these figures, it is not difficult to see why a bicycle registration program is vital to the safety and well being of every resident in our community.

Police Department records indicate that the majority of bicycles reported as stolen do not include serial numbers. That makes identification and the subsequent recovery process virtually impossible.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has developed a bicycle registration program that will keep track of all of the bicycles registered to City residents. Registration is optional for non-residents who ride into the City of Fort Lauderdale.

What is the purpose of this program?
The purpose of this program is to reduce the number of bicycles stolen and assist the police in the recovery of stolen bicycles.
How much does this registration cost?
The cost of initial registration is one dollar. If your decal becomes lost of stolen, it will cost an additional dollar to replace.
What happens if I don't register my bicycle?
A Police Officer may take into possession and impound any bicycle being operated or possessed on all streets, roads, highways, alleys, sidewalks, or other rights of way upon which the City has the authority to enforce traffic laws and ordinances when the bicycle does not have attached thereto a bicycle registration decal.

What happens to my bicycle if it is impounded?
The Police Department may keep the bicycle impounded until the owner obtains a bicycle registration decal or shows proof of ownership, pays all applicable civil fines and completes any required community service hours.
Within 90 days after such impoundment, if the owner has not registered the bicycle or requested its return showing satisfactory proof of ownership, the bicycle shall be considered unclaimed evidence and the City may retain the bicycle for its use, transfer the bicycle to another governmental entity, donate the bicycle to a charitable organization or sell the bicycle.

What if I am a non-resident and do not register my bicycle?
The Police Department shall make every reasonable effort to verify out-of-city residency. In the event residency cannot be established, the bicycle shall be handled as an in-city, non-registered bicycle and may be impounded.

Do I need to bring anything with me when I register my bicycle?
Yes, you will need to bring the bicycle. You will also be required to sign a sworn affidavit, which will be notarized at the time of registration.
Where can I go to register my bike?
Click on this link and you will jump to the page with time and location information.
Don't be a victim.
Register your bicycle today!

The registration decal will make your bicycle less attractive to bike thieves. In the event that your bicycle is still stolen, by having it registered, you are more likely to have it returned to you by the Police if they impound it.