2024 Bike Theft Survey

Understanding Bike Theft at Indiana University Bloomington.

Survey Findings and How You Can Protect Your Bike

bike theft surveyBicycles are an essential mode of transportation for many students, faculty, and staff at IU Bloomington. However, bike theft remains a concern, affecting riders’ security and confidence in using this sustainable form of travel. To better understand this issue, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) conducted a Bike Theft Survey in Fall 2024, gathering insights on theft patterns and risk factors on campus.

About the Survey

The Bike Theft Survey, open from September 25 - October 9, 2024, collected responses from IU students, faculty, and staff affiliated with IU Bloomington. Participants followed one of two tracks, with questions tailored to each group: 1) those who had owned a bike in Bloomington in the past five years and 2) those who had not. Among bike owners, questions varied between those who had not experienced bike theft (non-victims) and those who had experienced bike theft (victims). Theft incidents were classified as either whole bike thefts or partial thefts (e.g., stolen lights, seats, or wheels), with victims able to report multiple incidents. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed by TDM and the Center for Survey Research.

While these results provide valuable insights, they are based on self-reported experiences and may not be a complete representation of bike theft at IU. To supplement the survey, TDM also conducted a more comprehensive audit, analyzing data from the IU Police Department and the City of Bloomington Police Department.

Key Findings

  • Theft is a problem, but most bike owners have not been affected. In our survey of 590 respondents, 387 had owned a bike in Bloomington in the past five years. Among them, 77% had never experienced a whole bike theft, though 25% had experienced partial thefts (e.g., stolen lights, seats, or wheels).
  • When thefts do occur, students are the most affected group. Of the 97 reported bike theft incidents, 70% involved students. This is higher than expected, as students make up 46% of all bike owners' respondent.
  • Theft risk varies by time of year. Reported bike theft incidents peaked in August (22%), September (20%), and October (16%), aligning with the start of the academic year. New students may be especially vulnerable as they familiarize themselves with bike security best practices.
  • Most bike thefts happen in public areas, often at night. Nearly 90% of stolen bikes were locked outdoors, with thefts most commonly occurring during the evening or early morning hours (6 pm to 6 am).
  • Locking method matters. Only 20% of stolen bikes were secured with a U-lock, while over half of non-theft victims reported using U-locks. This suggests that bikes locked with U-locks may be less likely to be stolen compared to those using cable locks or no locks at all.
  • Some thefts go unreported, limiting chances for bike recovery. While 58% of bike theft victims reported their theft to IU Police Department and/or City of Bloomington Police Department, 36% did not report it at all. Consequently, bike theft recovery options are limited. Of survey respondents, only 10% of stolen bikes were recovered.
  • Bike theft has lasting impacts. Following a bike theft event, 40% of victims stopped biking entirely, while others adjusted their behavior by investing in better locks, avoiding certain areas, or biking less frequently.
  • Bike value does not necessarily impact theft. Survey results did not show a strong correlation between a bike’s value and its likelihood of being stolen. Instead, thefts seemed to be influenced by how easily accessible or unsecured a bike was.

How To Protect Your Bike

While bike theft can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

  1. Use a high-quality U-lock: U-locks tend to offer better protection than cable locks or other methods of locking. Consider securing both the frame and wheel to a bike rack. Keep an eye on our website and Instagram for upcoming U-lock giveaway events.
  2. Use your lock correctly: Whether using a U-lock or cable lock, how you lock your bike makes a big difference. Always lock both the frame and front wheel to a secure bike rack. Consider using more than one lock (like using a U-lock and a secondary lock) to add extra security. Learn more about where and how to park your bike safely: Bicycle Parking.
  3. Use secure parking facilities: For extra security, park your bike in monitored or restricted-access areas, such as the Ballantine Bike Hub, which features camera surveillance and requires a CrimsonCard for access. For additional overnight security, campus residents can rent a bike locker through IU Housing. If you live off campus, check your housing rules and store your bike indoors whenever possible.
  4. Report thefts: Reporting bike theft increases the chances of recovery and helps track theft patterns to address the issue. To report a stolen bike, contact the Indiana University Police Department (812-855-4111) or City of Bloomington Police Department (here), depending on on-campus versus off-campus bike theft events, respectively.
  5. Register your bike: The TDM Bike Theft Survey found that only 36% of stolen bikes had been registered with IU Parking Operations or another entity. Registration can improve recovery chances. Register your bike here: Bike Registration

What’s Next?

TDM is using these findings to explore ways to enhance bike security on campus, including increasing awareness, improving bike rack security, and encouraging bike registration. If you have ideas or concerns regarding bike theft mitigation, we welcome your input!

For more information on survey results, bike security, registration, and theft prevention, contact commute@iu.edu.