Project 529 Teams Up with Hubtiger to Combat Bike Theft Globally

Project 529, a leader in bike registry and recovery, has joined forces with Hubtiger, renowned for its cloud-based repair and rental software, to strengthen the fight against bike theft. By combining Project 529’s bicycle registry platform, 529 Garage, with Hubtiger’s network of hundreds of bike shops worldwide, the collaboration aims to significantly reduce bike theft and offer greater protection for cyclists globally.

With bike theft affecting an estimated 2 million bikes annually in North America alone, the issue has escalated beyond financial loss. Many stolen bikes are used in further criminal activities, and the booming black market for bicycles, valued at billions of dollars, has shaken the trust of the cycling community.

Impact on Global Bike Theft

Bike theft continues to be one of the top reasons people stop cycling, with many riders hesitant to invest in expensive bikes due to the threat of theft. “Bike theft is the number two or three reason that people stop riding,” said Lara Ferroni, CEO and Co-Founder of Project 529. “They just don’t feel confident in spending, and bikes can be so expensive these days.”

The partnership between Project 529 and Hubtiger is designed to restore that confidence by making it easier to identify and recover stolen bikes. “All bikes need to be serviced, and therefore, all bikes will go through a bike shop at one stage,” explained Blyth. “Stolen bikes will eventually be picked up.” 

Through this collaboration, bike shops can instantly check a bike’s status, whether it is stolen, registered, or unregistered, helping to break the cycle of stolen bikes circulating undetected.

Ferroni highlighted the significance of the partnership in connecting key stakeholders in the fight against theft. “The tool really is aimed at connecting a bunch of those dots… If you’re trying to buy a bike, you can check to see if it was reported stolen,” she said, underscoring how this partnership will prevent stolen bikes from re-entering the market.

Protecting Cyclists with Smarter Solutions

Project 529 and Hubtiger’s collaboration showcases the power of a united cycling community in the fight against bike theft. With a shared commitment to bike security, the partners are building a network that empowers cyclists to protect their bikes and support each other. “The more bikes that are registered, the more proactive authorities can be, and it just becomes an upward cycle,” said Ferroni, underscoring the positive impact of increased bike registrations. 

As 529 Garage leads the charge, the cycling community is invited to join the fight by embracing three key practices: Lock, Register, and Report. Cyclists can play a vital role in protecting each other. Using a high-quality U-lock, registering bikes with the free 529 Garage app, and reporting suspicious activity or theft to local authorities are all simple actions that empower riders to make a real difference and strengthen the community’s resilience against theft.

With more bikes registered through Project 529’s platform, authorities gain greater capability to track and recover stolen bikes, fostering stronger trust within the cycling community. This growing network not only deters theft but also unites cyclists, bike shops, and law enforcement in a shared mission to safeguard the cycling community.

Securing the Future of Cycling

Looking forward, Project 529 and Hubtiger are dedicated to expanding bike registration, particularly at service points and during sales, to protect even more bikes worldwide. With an estimated value of 1.1 billion USD in registered bikes in the 529 Garage database, the scale of commitment from the cycling community is clear and continues to grow. Future partnerships with police and insurance companies aim to amplify this impact, building a global network against bike theft.

Together, Project 529 and Hubtiger are setting the stage for a future where innovative technology drives meaningful change, making bike theft less of a deterrent to cycling. By leveraging their respective strengths, this partnership is creating safer cities, campuses, and communities and strengthening the cycling community one registered bike at a time.

About Project 529 Garage:

Project 529 was founded in 2013 with a mission to create a sustainable solution to reduce bike theft, promote cycling, and make cities and campuses safer for cyclists. The result is 529 Garage, a global bike registration network. Project 529 brings together cyclists, shops, police, and communities by providing the tools needed to better organise against bike theft.

For more information:

Contact CEO and Co-Founder Lara Ferroni at lara@project529.com

About Hubtiger:

Hubtiger, founded in 2018, is a leading tech company known for its innovative cloud-based repair and rental software. The company is built to equip various types of businesses with the necessary tools to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately boost repeat business. Hubtiger has established itself as a leading software provider trusted globally by numerous business sectors.

For more information:

Contact Head of Marketing Megan Bekker at megan@hubtiger.com