Bike Index

Bike Index is a non-profit online bicycle registry designed to help victims of bike theft recover their bikes. Wood Buffalo RCMP and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo have partnered with Bike Index to bring the database to the region.

How does it work?

1. Register your bike
Whether you recently purchased your bike, or have had it for years, you should register your bike now. All you need to register is your name, bike manufacturer, serial number, and component information. Add a phone number to your profile when you register! Only law enforcement will be able to see it. If you sell the bike you've registered, you can transfer your bicycle's information to the new owner's account.
2. Alert the community
If your bike goes missing, log in to the Bike Index and mark it as lost or stolen. This will notify the entire Bike Index community and its partners. Report a missing bicycle to Wood Buffalo RCMP. Call the non-emergency number at 780-788-4000.
3. The community responds
Bike Index users or partners, such as the RCMP and Bylaw Services, encounter your bike, use Bike Index to identify it, and contact you.
4. You are reunited with your bike
With the help of the Bike Index community, RCMP and Bylaw Services, you now have a higher chance of recovering your bike.

1. Register your bike

Whether you recently purchased your bike, or have had it for years, you should register your bike now. All you need to register is your name, bike manufacturer, serial number, and component information. Add a phone number to your profile when you register! Only law enforcement will be able to see it.

If you sell the bike you've registered, you can transfer your bicycle's information to the new owner's account.

2. Alert the community

If your bike goes missing, log in to the Bike Index and mark it as lost or stolen. This will notify the entire Bike Index community and its partners.

Report a missing bicycle to Wood Buffalo RCMP. Call the non-emergency number at 780-788-4000.

3. The community responds

Bike Index users or partners, such as the RCMP and Bylaw Services, encounter your bike, use Bike Index to identify it, and contact you.

4. You are reunited with your bike

With the help of the Bike Index community, RCMP and Bylaw Services, you now have a higher chance of recovering your bike.

Are you buying a used bike?

If you are in the market for a used bike, make sure to check Bike Index prior to finalizing your purchase. Simply create an account on Bike Index, and instead of registering a bike, click on “Search Bikes”. You can search bike descriptions, serial number or look through bikes reported stolen near you.

Get a free QR code sticker

After you register, you can pick up a free unique QR code sticker!

In Fort McMurray? Pick up a QR code sticker at the front counter of the Wood Buffalo RCMP detachment in Timberlea at 105 Paquette Drive.

In a rural community? Pick up a QR code sticker at your Municipal Office.

In Fort McKay? You can contact the Fort McKay Métis or Fort McKay First Nation to get your QR code sticker.

You don't need a sticker to register your bike with Bike Index.

Why should I get a Bike Index QR code sticker?

A Bike Index QR code sticker will make it easier for law enforcement and other Bike Index users to return your bike. It is:

a unique identifier so anyone with a smartphone can instantly be taken to your Bike Index registry page to contact you
another deterrent for potential bike thieves as it shows your bike is watched by the entire community
made of strong material to weather any storm and is extremely difficult to take off
and it’s free!

How do I link my Bike Index QR code sticker to my Bike Index account?

Place your sticker on the seat tube of your bicycle (the bar that extends from the saddle, down to the bottom bracket).
Scan the sticker’s QR code with your smartphone camera or QR scanner app and open the link.
Link your bike by searching your bike description, email address, or bike’s serial number and click ‘Link It’ when your bike is listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my bike with the RCMP?
You do not have to register your bike with the RCMP. You can register directly on bikeindex.org.
What should I do if my bike is stolen?
Capture the date and time of the theft, and photos of the location. If parked on private property, ensure that the bicycle was not removed by the property owner or manager. Mark your bike lost or stolen on Bike Index. Bike Index community members, RCMP and Bylaw Services will be able to see your bike as marked missing or stolen. If you didn't register your bike before it went missing, you can still create an account and mark it stolen. Report a missing bicycle to Wood Buffalo RCMP. Call the non-emergency number at 780-788-4000. Inform your insurance company (if applicable). Search online listings such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Kijiji or other online classified advertising websites for recent postings. If you believe you have located your bicycle on an external website, always alert the police rather than contacting the seller directly.
My stolen bike is listed for sale online! What should I do?
If you find your being sold online: take screenshots of the ad – ensure the ad # and any seller contact information is recorded have your proof of ownership ready (your Bike Index account should have all the necessary details like serial #,photos, etc.) Contact RCMP immediately for your safety, NEVER contact the suspect directly
Does it cost money to use the Bike Index?
Bike Index is a non-profit bike registry that the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is partnering with. There is no cost to use the service.
What are some tips for keeping my bike safe?
Theft of bikes can occur even from secure places like a garage or your driveway so make sure to lock your bike securely even if it is on your property If you are leaving your bike unattended on the back of a vehicle, make sure to lock the bike to your vehicle Before cycling to a location for the first time, visit the area and research the nearby bicycle parking amenities Use a quality lock and consider using two different types of locks for front wheel and frame and rear wheel and frame Make sure the bike rack is securely fastened to the ground/wall If possible, select a bike rack with at least two points of contact that allow the frame and wheels to be both locked together Visible bike racks in well-lit, busy areas help prevent bike theft Document the following information about your bike: Several photos from various angles Original sales receipt (if possible) A detailed description, including make/model, size/color, date/place of purchase, value, and distinctive features

Do I have to register my bike with the RCMP?

You do not have to register your bike with the RCMP. You can register directly on bikeindex.org.

What should I do if my bike is stolen?

Capture the date and time of the theft, and photos of the location.
If parked on private property, ensure that the bicycle was not removed by the property owner or manager.
Mark your bike lost or stolen on Bike Index. Bike Index community members, RCMP and Bylaw Services will be able to see your bike as marked missing or stolen. If you didn't register your bike before it went missing, you can still create an account and mark it stolen.
Report a missing bicycle to Wood Buffalo RCMP. Call the non-emergency number at 780-788-4000.
Inform your insurance company (if applicable).
Search online listings such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Kijiji or other online classified advertising websites for recent postings. If you believe you have located your bicycle on an external website, always alert the police rather than contacting the seller directly.

My stolen bike is listed for sale online! What should I do?

If you find your being sold online:

take screenshots of the ad – ensure the ad # and any seller contact information is recorded
have your proof of ownership ready (your Bike Index account should have all the necessary details like serial #,photos, etc.)
Contact RCMP immediately
for your safety, NEVER contact the suspect directly

Does it cost money to use the Bike Index?

Bike Index is a non-profit bike registry that the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is partnering with. There is no cost to use the service.

What are some tips for keeping my bike safe?

Theft of bikes can occur even from secure places like a garage or your driveway so make sure to lock your bike securely even if it is on your property
If you are leaving your bike unattended on the back of a vehicle, make sure to lock the bike to your vehicle
Before cycling to a location for the first time, visit the area and research the nearby bicycle parking amenities
Use a quality lock and consider using two different types of locks for front wheel and frame and rear wheel and frame
Make sure the bike rack is securely fastened to the ground/wall
If possible, select a bike rack with at least two points of contact that allow the frame and wheels to be both locked together
Visible bike racks in well-lit, busy areas help prevent bike theft
Document the following information about your bike:
- Several photos from various angles
- Original sales receipt (if possible)
- A detailed description, including make/model, size/color, date/place of purchase, value, and distinctive features