Proposal for a Boulder City Council Workplan Initiative on Bicycle Security and Theft Reduction in 2026

On January 13, 2026, Boulder City Council adopted bicycle security and theft reduction as one of six items workplan items for 2026.¹

The concept that Council moved forward was a combination of two proposals submitted by individual Councilmembers the month before.

Here is the language for a bicycle security and theft reduction initiative Council voted to combine and move forward (formatting added):

Bicycle security and theft reduction—Proposal 1 of 2

Summary:

Create a program to systematically reduce bike thefts and increase community members' confidence in parking and storing bicycles. Would establish a data-driven approach to measurably reduce thefts, taking on whatever is manageable in 2026 now and making a plan for potential future development. 

Background:

Potential elements for consideration:

(1) Utilize problem-solving policing, in the spirit of Boulder's successful approach to controlling catalytic converter thefts, to develop a strategic outcome-based approach that is considerate of organized crime;

(2) Create more "teeth" for enforcement of out-in-the-open theft in progress, in part by studying options for a new "chop shop ordinance" combined with new citizen reporting mechanisms,

(3) Develop a public communication/engagement program informed by best transportation practice and examples by peer cities to encourage key voluntary behaviors, including enhanced levels of bike registration by bike owners and good security practices by bike users,

(4) Engage with retailers and other facility operators/owners to encourage voluntary installation and upgrades of good bike racks, with consideration of creative incentives and partnerships,

(5) Consider opportunities to upgrade public options for secure long-term (i.e., behind locked doors) bike parking facilities, perhaps by improving maintenance and the standard of care of RTD bike sheds, especially downtown, and piloting at least one new long term storage design option, say with city-owned parking garages, and

(6) Work with community partners such as CU, the County, RTD, local business associations, and other groups and citizens to build a unified approach and culture to promote dependable bike security. 

Benefits: Support of the city's many objectives including around transportation equity, modeshift, climate action, and affordability; real and visible management of the public's expectations to get this problem under control.

Bicycle security and theft reduction—Proposal 2 of 2

Summary:

Modify the current legislation to ensure bike theft has consequences so we can give consumers more impetus and confidence to use bikes not just for recreation, but for destination biking as well.

Background: 

We can begin by studying and modeling legislation used successfully in other cities. In 2025, according to BPD, approximately 500 bikes were reported stolen in Boulder, not including those stolen from CU's campus and not including those reported on Bike Index. Auto theft dropped significantly when law enforcement made it a clear priority. Bike theft is not currently treated with the same level of urgency. I believe it should be. For many residents, a bike is their primary mode of transportation, and theft has a real impact on their daily life.

Notes

1 Here’s the list of all thirty proposals submitted by councilmembers. And here is a summary of the wider outcomes of the 2026 Boulder City Council workplan-setting process.