The project is intended to reduce a barrier for individuals to use bicycles more often by improving the bicycle parking experience, reducing bicycle theft in Boulder, and improving outcomes for victims through:
Bicycle theft remains a persistent issue in the City of Boulder, with 557 bicycles reported stolen in 2025. Recovery outcomes are poor: only 9% of stolen bicycles were reunited with their owners, and just 8% of cases resulted in a summons or arrest. These clearance and recovery rates have remained consistently low--generally between 6% and 10%--over multiple years, indicating a systemic challenge rather than a temporary fluctuation.
Reducing bike theft may encourage more people to take trips by bicycle by removing one significant barrier that may prevent people from choosing this mode of transportation. Additionally, decreasing theft will mitigate the financial losses experienced by our community, reduce the disruption caused by the loss of a primary mode of transportation, and lessen the associated impacts such as stress, lost time, and effort required to replace stolen bicycles. Improvements to this situation can be achieved through bicycle parking infrastructure, public education, and enforcement.
Addressing bicycle theft directly supports the City Council’s 2026 priorities and aligns with the Police Department’s strategic goal of reducing crime. Successful outcomes will enhance public trust, improve quality of life, and support our broader transportation and sustainability objectives by making bicycling a more secure and attractive option.
