Question 1

How does Bike Bounty work?

Accepted Answer

Bike Bounty is a community-powered platform that helps recover stolen bikes worldwide. Users can report stolen bikes with photos and details, search for bikes being offered for sale, and help others by reporting sightings. Our community-assisted approach has achieved a 15% recovery rate compared to 2-5% with traditional methods alone.

Question 2

Is there a fee for using the service?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a stolen bike costs €1, which helps maintain our platform and prevent spam reports. This small fee covers platform costs and ensures serious reports. Searching bikes, browsing listings, and helping others is completely free.

Question 3

How do I claim a reward?

Accepted Answer

If you spot a stolen bike, use our platform to safely contact the owner. Never confront suspected thieves directly. Once the bike is verified and safely returned, the reward is processed through our secure payment system. Most rewards are paid within 24 hours of successful recovery.

Question 4

What should I do if I spot a stolen bike?

Accepted Answer

Safety first: Never confront suspected thieves directly. Use our platform to immediately notify the owner with location details and photos. Contact local police if the situation seems suspicious. Our safety guide provides detailed steps for secure recovery assistance.

Question 5

Which cities are supported?

Accepted Answer

Bike Bounty operates globally with active communities in 12+ major cities including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, London, Portland, Melbourne, Montreal, and Cambridge. Our platform works anywhere, but recovery rates are highest in cities with active cycling communities.

Question 6

How accurate are your recovery statistics?

Accepted Answer

Our 15% recovery rate is based on verified recoveries tracked through our platform, compared to typical police recovery rates of 2-5%. We publish our methodology transparently and update statistics monthly. Recovery rates vary by location and bike type, with GPS-equipped bikes showing higher success rates.

Question 7

Is my data secure and private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use industry-standard encryption and never share personal information with third parties. Bike listings show only necessary details (model, location area, contact method). Your exact address and personal details remain private. You can delete your account and data anytime.

Question 8

Can I integrate with official registries?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide direct links to official bike registries like RDW Fietsdiefstalregister (Netherlands), Bike Index (global), and Project 529 (North America). We complement these systems rather than competing with them, offering community-powered searching and recovery assistance.

Question 9

What types of bikes are most often recovered?

Accepted Answer

Electric bikes have the highest recovery rate due to their high value and GPS tracking capabilities. Distinctive bikes (unique colors, modifications, vintage models) are easier to identify and recover. Common city bikes require more community assistance but can still be successfully recovered.

Question 10

How does this help reduce bike theft?

Accepted Answer

By making stolen bikes harder to resell and increasing recovery chances, our platform creates a deterrent effect. Thieves avoid areas with active bike recovery communities. Additionally, our safety education helps cyclists improve their security practices.

Question 11

Can I use this for insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our platform provides detailed theft reports, timestamps, and community verification that insurers accept as supporting documentation. Many users find it easier to gather evidence through our platform than traditional police reports alone.

Question 12

How do bounties/rewards work?

Accepted Answer

Bike owners set their own reward amounts when reporting theft (€25-500+ typical range). Rewards are paid for verified recoveries, not just sightings. Payment is processed securely through our platform within 24 hours of successful recovery confirmation.

Question 13

What if my bike is found in another city?

Accepted Answer

Our platform connects cities globally. If your bike travels to another city, local community members can still help with recovery. We provide guidance for cross-border recoveries and work with local authorities when needed.

Question 14

How does this benefit the cycling community?

Accepted Answer

Beyond bike recovery, our platform builds stronger cycling communities through shared vigilance and mutual support. It reduces insurance costs, increases cycling confidence, and helps cities maintain their cycling infrastructure investments.

Frequently Asked Questions