Laval, Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Faced with the resurgence of bicycle theft in the metropolitan region, Parti Laval would like Laval, Quebec's third largest city, to join the platform. Garage 529 which aims to facilitate the registration and recovery of stolen bikes thanks to an online application and a system of stickers. " We want Laval to join a proactive network of cyclists, organizations and municipalities committed to fighting bike theft. Garage 529 is a proven, low-cost solution that's accessible to everyone. "says Louise Lortie, city councillor for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin.
A growing problem
To justify the importance of project buy-in Garage 529The Parti Laval's proposal is based on the fact that the number of reported bicycle thefts in the metropolitan region rose last year. In Laval, for example, this number rose from 108 in 2021 to 135 in 2023.
" Bicycle theft in the metropolitan region is a real scourge, and Laval is not spared. Our city doesn't have the tools needed to track or prevent these thefts. As a result, citizens are less inclined to report them, and once a theft is reported, we are neither equipped nor trained to act effectively. In two years alone, we've seen a 30% increase in bicycle thefts in Laval, which is significant. "explains Ms. Lortie, who initiated the proposal.
More tools for cyclists
The program Garage 529 offers municipalities numerous tools to counter bicycle theft. Should Parti Laval's proposal be adopted, Laval residents will be able to register their bikes online free of charge and affix a tamper-proof sticker provided by the city to them. This would deter thieves and facilitate bike recovery.
" We're really excited about the idea of a large city like Laval joining Garage 529. Over the years, our platform has proven its effectiveness, and Laval can expect a significant reduction in thefts by joining our community." says Rob Brunt, Garage 529's Outreach Manager and the ex-policeman behind the program's implementation in Vancouver. Indeed, since the tool was implemented in Vancouver in 2015, Brunt claims that reported thefts have decreased by nearly 70%. According to him, this is due in part to the fact that the project's objective is to " bring together as many cyclists, municipalities and police departments as possible, [because] the more people there are, the better organized and equipped we are to deal with bike theft. "
" We firmly believe that if Laval adheres to this program, it will greatly reduce bicycle theft while reinforcing Laval cyclists' sense of security. It's a tool that has proved its worth everywhere it's been implemented. "concluded Parti Laval interim leader Claude Larochelle.
Source: Parti Laval Cabinet
Information: Tommy Vallée, Communications Manager | 438 875-8663 | t.vallee@laval.ca