Scenic states topped the list, for perhaps obvious reasons
Bicycle thefts are a lot more common in certain U.S. states, largely depending on the popularity of biking in the region.
Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, Montana and North Dakotatoppedthe list for states where bicyclethefts were the most frequent in 2023, according to an analysis of Federal Bureau of Investigation data by e-bike sellerAventon Bikes.
The analysis normalized the numbers by population to better compare U.S. states.
Among the top five states for reported bicycle thefts: There were around 129thefts per 100,000 people in Oregon, followed by Colorado (127), Vermont (120), Montana (107) and North Dakota (94).
The different levels of popularity of biking among states can largely explain why bicycle thefts are more or less common.
1. Oregon
- 129 reported bicycle thefts per 100,000 people
- $1,442 average value of theft
- 5,449total reported bicycle thefts
Oregon's most populated cityPortland is known for its strong biking culture that has the downside of attracting bike thieves.
Cities like Portland are known for their extensive bike lanes and active cycling communities, attracting many bike enthusiasts, Aventon Bikes's John Vinton said. Unfortunately, this popularity can also attract thieves, who see bikes as quick, easy targets.
2. Colorado
- 127reported bicycle thefts per 100,000 people
- $1,937average value of theft
- 7,443total reported bicycle thefts
Colorado had the highest number of total bike thefts thanks to the popularity of cycling on its many scenice routes and in the cities of Denver and Boulder.
About 43% of Colorado residents 18 years and over said they rode a bike at least once in the last year in 2016, compared to the national average of 29%,according to Bicycle Colorado.
The state also ranked No. 6 for its bike friendliness in 2024 by the American League of Cyclists.
3. Vermont
- 120reported bicycle thefts per 100,000 people
- $1,286average value of theft
- 775total reported bicycle thefts
Biking is popular in rural communities throughout Vermont, but security, such as bike racks, can also be laxer.
Even though the state had a low number of total reported bicycle thefts, its small population of around 650,000 people places Vermont nearthe top of the list.
This shows that even if a small amount of bikes were stolen, it can have a significant impact, Vinton said.
4. Montana
- 107reported bicycle thefts per 100,000 people
- $967average value of theft
- 1,206total reported bicycle thefts
Montana's landscapes are popular among cyclists, drawing plenty of thieves.
Bike racks and other security can be sparse throughoutthe state, Aventon Bikes said.
5. North Dakota
- 94 reported bicycle thefts per 100,000 people
- $542average value of theft
- 738total reported bicycle thefts
The flat terrain in many parts ofNorth Dakota makes biking attractive.
While North Dakota had the lowest total number of bikes stolen among the top ten worst states, its low population, like Vermont, made them significant.
The flat terrain and limited public transport options make biking an attractive choice for many, but with fewer bike parking facilities and less awareness about theft prevention, there are many opportunities for thieves, Vinton said.
Where bicycle thefts are leastcommon
The five states where bicycle thefts were the least common were:Mississippi with 15thefts per 100,000 people, followed by Pennsylvania (17), Georgia (20), Alabama (21) and Connecticut (23).
Below is a table with the rankings and figures on bicycle thefts for all 50 U.S. states.
How to avoid bicycle thefts
John Vinton of Aventon bikes said there are three top tips for keeping a bike from getting stolen:
- A lock: A high-quality u-lock or chain lock can deter many thieves.
- Register: Get a bike registered with local authorities or bike registry so if the bike is stolen or recovered there will be proof of ownership.
- Track: Small GPS tracking devices can be added to a biketo find out where it is.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-11-15 00:31:19
