Bicycle Registration

Why Register?

Bicycle theft is big business on college campuses nationwide. As the price for new bicycles increases each year, their resale value also increases. In recent years, more than 75% of owners who reported their bicycles stolen to UHDPS Police did not know the serial number stamped into the frame of their bicycle.

Most manufacturers stamp an individual serial number into each bicycle before it leaves the factory. Serial number and specific descriptive information is crucial if police are to identify recovered bicycles and locate rightful owners.

The UHDPS Police Department encourages you to take a few simple steps that may protect you from becoming the victim of bicycle theft. Registration takes only minutes to complete, however registration along with adequate locking mechanisms significantly decrease the likelihood your bicycle will be stolen.

If you own a bicycle that is not registered in this program, you are encouraged to bring your bicycle and personal identifying information to:
UHDPS Police Department located at 3869 Wheeler Houston, Tx. 77204
 Or
Register your bike on-line by following the instructions detailed under “Online Registration”

If your bike will be brought onto the campus, register your bike with us even if your bicycle is registered with another program or law enforcement agency.

Owner and bicycle information will be recorded and maintained in a computer database for future use if it is needed in the event of a theft. A reflective numbered registration sticker will be provided to be affixed to your bicycle frame to make identification by police easier.

Registration may provide the only means of returning a stolen bicycle once it is recovered by police. With the recorded information police can make police departments nationwide aware that a particular bicycle is stolen.

How to Register:
 
Walk-In Registrations
You can register "in-person" year-round at the "walk-in" registration location listed above. For a walk-in registration, you'll complete an official "Bicycle Registration" form at the time of registration. The bike owner (or parent in the case of a minor) will be asked for verifiable identification.


Your bicycle must have a permanent serial number to be registered.
 
If you cannot find the serial number on your bike or if your number is only a "sticker", please bring your bicycle to UHDPS (3869 Wheeler Houston, Tx. 77204, UH entrance 12 @ Wheeler), so we can engrave an identification number on your bicycle for you.

Registration decals will be issued to the owner upon completion of the walk-in registration.
 

Online Registration
If you are new to the campus or haven't yet brought your bike onto the campus, you can pre-register your bike! Online Bicycle Registration Form.

Submission of the "online" registration form will deliver the form by email to the UHDPS Crime Prevention Unit. Allow approximately 2 weeks for processing/mailing. When registration is complete, your numbered, reflective registration decal will be mailed to you by:

Some advantages of "Walk-in" registration are:

The important thing is to get your bike registered as soon as possible! Even if you use online registration, you can later ride/bring your bike by a walk-in registration location and have your serial number verified.
 
When performing an online registration, take time to read the "Registration Notes" at the end of the form before submitting your registration. Be sure to include your email address so we can contact you by email if there are any questions/problems completing your registration. Online Bicycle Registration Form

Your Registration Decal-

When you receive your individually-numbered decal:

A prime decal location is on the top side of top-tube, BENEATH THE SEAT (to avoid wear and weathering and make removal difficult). This places it in a common location easily spotted by law enforcement and potential thieves. You want people to know your bike is registered! It should go without saying, but don't affix the decal to the removable seat-post!
 
If you have questions about bicycle registration please call UHDPS at 713-743-3333, or send e-mailto:preventcrime@uh.edu