Project 529 loads your bike’s serial number and some photos into a database. You get an email that allows you to create an account and update your bikes online. No one else apart from you or Project 529 and, only if you have authorised them, the police can see your details. If you mark your bike as stolen on the website, it will appear on social media and police hotlists. If a member of the public sees your bike they can notify you via the platform without needing to know your contact details. Police can check suspicious and abandoned bikes to see if they’re stolen. People buying secondhand bikes can check the database. 

Registering your bike will reduce the chance it is stolen, and if it is stolen, it will increase the chance you’ll get it back.

Registering your bike on Project 529 is free. Using a shield provides an extra deterrent.

If you sell your bike you can log onto the Project 529 platform and transfer it to the new owner by entering their email address.

The system has been built by professionals with security and privacy uppermost in mind and using industry-standard technologies. Project 529 has millions of bikes registered and is used around the world. However, any database accessible via the internet is vulnerable to attack. Project 529 deliberately collects as little private information as possible to minimise the impact of a security breach. As a bare minimum, it needs an email address and a description of your bike.

No. You will receive one email from Project 529 to advise you they have registered your bike. If you choose to create an account you will receive a second email to confirm your email address. If your bike is stolen you may receive additional emails if someone finds your bike or a phone call from police if you’ve loaded your phone number and authorised police to contact you.

No. We do not sell your data under any circumstances, not even at an aggregate level.

Project 529 does not share your private data with anyone apart from the police and then, only if you authorise them to view it. If you mark your bike as stolen your bike details will be shared with the world, but your contact details will remain private unless you choose to share them. You can mark photos as public or private. All metadata is removed from photographs. 529 Aotearoa does not share your private data with anyone.

Project 529 charges a licence fee to local government and transport authorities and sells shields and consulting services.