ICA Bike Security Labelling - France

[Zimmerframe]

Just bought a new bike and this time noticed it was obligatory that I paid €30 for security labelling.

Apparently from 1st January 2021 it was obligatory for any new bike sold to be registered and marked (In FRANCE) , From 1st July it will be obligatory to also mark second hand bikes which are sold. Haven't heard anything about this before.

ICA bike - Spécialiste du marquage vélo

ICA bike, la solution de marquage protégeant votre vélo contre le vol

www.icabike.com

I don't know much about this yet as it just came through, but it seems like it's a sticker, so if your bike is stolen, it can be traced back to you.

What I don't get is what's to stop a bike thief just removing the sticker ?

If I log onto their website is shows my bike, it's security number and then in my details it has my address and phone number so they can contact you.

 

[Zimmerframe]

From the Govt site : (and translated)

OK, so if you're bike is stolen, you register that and then anyone buying a bike can check the number to see if it's stolen or not. No number and you have to be pretty suspicious. If the stolen bike is found, they should be able to track it back to you if it has it's sticker - which presumably is also listed on their database with the serial number.


Apparently :

According to the Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), 500,000 bicycles are stolen each year , about a third are found, but only 3% can be returned to their owner… because they cannot be identified.

That's even more than drunk Cambridge Students steal each year !

 

[Zimmerframe]

More bla bla :

The marking procedure consists of affixing an identifier on the frame of the bicycle . The law states that it must be permanent and easily visible on a parked machine. Several approved operators have already developed solutions that meet these conditions.

The Bicycode® system , set up by the FUB in 2004, serves as a pioneer in this area. The unique identification number is written by self-adhesive label, permanent label or engraving. More than 200,000 bicycles have already benefited from this service.

The Speed Marking system is developed by Auvray , the French leader in motorized two-wheeler anti-theft devices and specialist in marking in the motorcycle world. Again, this is a machine engraving device. The identifier is affixed to the frame in about 5 minutes. It can also be inscribed on the battery and the engine as part of the marking of an eBike. These two elements of value constitute, in fact, a privileged target for thieves.

The Recobike process is based on a chemical welding system based on the injection of high performance resin. A little more complex to implement than the previous solutions, it is less intrusive for the frame and is suitable for all types of bicycle (steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon). Vandal proof, the encapsulated code cannot be removed unless the bike is seriously damaged.


> Note that it is formally recommended not to use certain engraving methods on carbon or titanium frames. This type of marking may invalidate the warranty with some manufacturers. We are currently awaiting the return of the brands on the recommended marking solutions.

 

[steve_sordy]

That sounds like a good idea, we should do this in the UK.

 

[Nicho]

What I don't get is what's to stop a bike thief just removing the sticker ?

If they were found by the Police with a bike without the sticker they would have to explain / prove their ownership.

 

[Nicho]

If they were to use the same marking system on the riders then the French authorities would know where to deliver Zimmerframe to after one of his exciting episodes.