Pedal Power backs new campus safety push as ANU and police tackle rising bike theft
Pedal Power ACT has joined forces with the Australian National University (ANU) and ACT Policing to tackle the growing problem of bike theft on and around campus, with a new initiative helping riders protect their bikes and boost recovery rates.
The program was launched at a recent Cop Pop-Up event on campus, where ANU Security began offering free bike engraving, a simple but powerful tool in deterring theft and helping police return stolen bikes.
“Bike theft continues to be a major issue in Canberra, especially in high-density cycling communities like ANU,” said Pedal Power CEO Cecily Michaels. “We’re proud to support initiatives like this that make it harder for thieves to profit and easier for people to get their bikes back.”
ANU Security operations manager Jodi Finn, who led the rollout, explained that some thieves targeting the university are highly organised, even using angle grinders to break into secure bike sheds.
“We’ve had enough. This is costing the university in infrastructure repairs, and it’s costing students and staff their mobility,” she said.
Jodi Finn engraves Nancy Richardson’s bike. Nancy praised the move and said she hoped it would deter theft. Photo Credit: Region
Bike owners can now visit ANU Security throughout the year to have their name and phone number engraved onto their frame, making identification easier in the event of theft. It’s part of a broader campaign to encourage smarter bike security practices.
Tips to protect your bike:
Lock it – never leave your bike unsecured
Invest in a quality lock – preferably D-locks or heavy-duty chains
Lock both your frame and wheels to fixed objects
Park smart – choose well-lit, secure locations
Engrave your details and register your bike on Bikelinc
ACT Policing reports that bike theft is increasing in the city centre and around the ANU. Constable Samuel Stubbs said: “We’re seeing more incidents, and we want to help reduce that through education and prevention.”
At the ACT Policing exhibit management centre in Mitchell, hundreds of unclaimed bikes sit waiting—many of which could be returned if their owners had registered or engraved them.
“This is why the engraving program is such a great initiative,” said Constable Michelle Grobbelaar. “It gives us a way to immediately contact the owner and return recovered bikes quickly.”
Pedal Power urges all Canberrans, students, commuters, families, and weekend riders alike, to take advantage of the free engraving service and to always use quality locks. Bike theft isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a barrier to active, sustainable transport. Programs like this are a reminder that with the right partnerships and practical steps, we can make Canberra a safer place to ride.
