A fairly new initiative is being credited with dramatically reducing bicycle theft on Granville Island.
Launched in 2016, the Bicycle Culture and Security Program has seen bike theft go down by 40 percent from 2016 to 2017, and 70 percent overall since 2015.
The program is a partnership between The City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department, Granville Island, Project 529, and Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.).
The latter two groups are responsible for giving bike riders options for increasing their bicycle safety while they are parked at one of Vancouver's most beloved destinations.
Photo courtesy Granville Island/VPD
During the summer months this year, over 11,000 bicycles were parked by Granville Island’s Bicycle Valet service, which is operated by B.E.S.T., according to a media release.
Additionally, Project 529 had over 900 bike registered with their service, which is endorsed by the VPD as a method of increasing protection against theft.
Ken Lane/Flickr
Other ways the project worked to decreased bicycle theft on Granville Island included the VPD placing bait bikes to detract thievery, increased signage at bike racks detailing effective locking procedures, and more visible bicycle parking spots.
"We’re committed to continuing the good work, alongside our partners, with the goal of making even more of a difference in the future," says Constable Rob Brunt of the VPD.
