Bicycle thefts are unfortunately not uncommon in Germany – they're a part of everyday life. We all know that uneasy feeling in the pit of our stomach when our beloved bike is suddenly no longer where we left it. Anger and rage about the theft mix with a touch of helplessness. But you can counteract this feeling by taking preventative measures. A bicycle pass – in paper form or as an app – can, for example, help you recover your bike or e-bike in the event of theft.
According to police crime statistics, 233,584 stolen bicycles were reported nationwide in 2021 alone . The stolen bikes are often resold at flea markets and online. Some bikes are even taken abroad to be sold for cash. The prospect of getting your beloved bike back seems minimal, especially if you're missing important information like the frame number or even a simple photo of your bike. With a bicycle passport, you increase your chances of success and have all the important information right at your fingertips.
Prevention: How to protect your SUSHI BIKE from theft
To protect your bike from theft, you can take various security precautions. The German Bicycle Club (ADFC) recommends not only locking your bike, but also securing it to fixed objects such as gutters, streetlights, or fences. Ideally, don't rely solely on a single lock; always lock your bike at least twice – ideally with different locking systems.
Eye-catching and unique bikes are less likely to be stolen because they're harder to resell. In many places, the municipality or local police also offer individual bike coding to give your bike a unique code. It's best to find out for yourself whether coding your bike is possible in your city.
Create a bicycle pass: How to get the document
However , if a theft occurs despite all precautions, the prevention tips won't help. This is where the bicycle passport comes in, which can help you find your stolen bike. The bicycle passport contains all the important information about your bike. Please note, however, that it does not constitute proof of ownership.
There are several ways to obtain a bicycle pass for your SUSHI BIKE . You can have one issued free of charge at your local police station. Additionally, some bicycle dealers and insurance providers offer free, printable bicycle passes.
No more paperwork: The bicycle pass app
If you don't want to carry another paper document around with you, you can also use the bicycle pass digitally. The official bicycle pass app from the police is currently being revised and is therefore not available at this time. A good alternative is the BikeManager app from the insurance company Wertgarantie. This free app is available in both the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store for Android smartphones.
Alternatively, you can create a digital passport on the Fahrradpass.info platform . There you can also report your bike as stolen or check whether items advertised online are stolen.
Why do I need a bicycle pass?
Regardless of whether you choose the analog or digital bike pass, the content is the same. You enter all relevant information about your bike in your bike pass. This includes details such as the make, model, frame number, color, coding (if applicable), and a photo of your bike. You can also add additional information such as the bike's value, insurance, the bike lock used, and other features or accessories.
The more detailed the information, the easier it will be to file a theft report. It also makes it easier for the police to clearly identify your bike. This can speed up the process and return your bike more quickly. You can also send the bike pass to your insurance company to report the theft and file a claim.
Overall, the bicycle pass offers a valuable way to protect your bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter and significantly improves the chances of recovery in the event of theft.
