MyBikeNumber – "Internet Tracing" against bicycle theft

In the truest sense, bicycle thieves are caught "in the net" with the new Web 2.0 service MyBikeNumber.com. The principle is simple: the bicycle is registered on the website free of charge, together with its serial number and photos. This system allows not only the frame of the bicycle but also individual components to be pictured and registered with serial numbers.

In contrast to a theft reported to the local police, MyBikeNumber.com "searches" worldwide. Should a bicycle be stolen in Berlin, its owner could probably relocate it in Paris. Benefit: If crafty thieves dismantle the expensive bicycle and sell individual parts from reputable manufacturers, you can find them at any time with MyBikeNumber. For this, the relevant serial numbers are entered in via the search function. For some proud owners the alleged bargain could then turn into a nasty surprise. On the other hand, before the purchase of a used bicycle, one can naturally also check to ensure that the bicycle or parts of it do not already perhaps have a different rightful owner.
Via the Dashboard users can register any number of bicycles into their account.

The ownership status of a bicycle can be recorded and amended in the colours of a traffic light and thus be publicly designated as, for example, stolen, in correct ownership or sold. In this way future bike purchases, the origin and the ownership status of bicycles and components such as forks etc. can be controlled. MyBikeNumber.com automatically creates a globally unique and unambiguous bicycle profile number, over which characteristics of the bicycle can be recalled. To deter potential thieves before the actual theft, recorded bicycles are provided with a coded label, which is generated automatically after registration of the bicycle. Concealed in this is detailed information about the frames, components and even the owner. The sticker is simply printed and it can then be attached to the bicycle. With a modern mobile phone and the corresponding application, the so-called Quick Response Code can be scanned in and all information about the bicycle is on call. An honest finder can make contact with the rightful owner in seconds.

With this bicycle profile an army of investigators can be activated in the event of theft, for which one can also use social networks such as facebook and twitter to distribute the profile.

Almost 400,000 bicycles are reported as stolen every year in Germany, in 2008 in the U.S. there were 221,936 and in Holland and other countries there are a lot more.

The recovery rate has thus far been extremely low. MyBikeNumber.com will allow users to register their bicycles and thus impede the illegal resale and trading of individual parts or components, such as through Internet marketplaces.