Abandoned Bikes

Abandoned and stripped bicycles locked to bike racks are unsightly and reduce available parking. Know any locations? Let us know and we'll arrange to remove the bikes so that you'll have a place to park.

Call 311 to report an abandoned bike.
We only accept reports through 311.

I see an abandoned bike. Who do I tell?

Call 311 and say you'd like to report an abandoned bicycle. The 311 operator will ask you for the location and also ask you where it is locked (e.g. bike rack, light pole, sign pole). You should also describe the bike - the description helps the bike program quickly identify the bike in question (especially when the bike is one parked near many).

My bike has been tagged as abandoned. What can I do?

Call or email the Bike Program and give us the 311 SR# written on the placard attached to your bike. Call 312-744-4600 or email steven.vance@cityofchicago.org. Be prepared to describe your bike with the following attributes:

1. Frame style (Does it have a sloping or horizontal top tube? Does the bike have a step-through frame?)
2. Color
3. Manufacturer (Is it a Trek, Schwinn, or other brand?)
4. Type or use (Is the bike for road or mountain use, or is it a hybrid or cruiser bike?)

What happens to abandoned bikes?

Here's an explanation on how the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) deals with abandoned bikes.

• Reports of abandoned bikes are made by Aldermen and concerned citizens to the City's non-emergency services center: 311.
• The Bike Program browses the 311 database for new reports.
• A Bike Program staff member travels to the location of the reported abandoned bike.
• Municipal Code of Chicago 9-52-071 clearly defines what constiutes an abandoned bicycle.
• If the reported abandoned bike meets the criteria, then the Bike Program staff member deems the bike abandoned and attaches a placard to the bike, which includes the 311 report number.
• This placard says that the bike owner has at least seven (7) days to claim the bicycle by calling the Bike Program.
• After seven (7) days has passed, a CDOT crew will be dispatched to remove the bike.

After the abandoned bike is removed, it is delivered (usually same day) to Working Bikes Cooperative. Working Bikes leaves the placard attached and refrains from working on the bike for 30 days. After this period, they are free to refurbish the bike for charity or public sale. Please visit the Working Bikes Cooperative website for more information about that non-profit organization.

Webpage last updated August 18, 2010.

Abandoned Bike ordinances

All Chicago bicycle owners should make themselves aware of the City's Municipal Code regarding abandoned bikes. Read the ordinance at Chicago Bike Laws.

How do I donate my bike?

Please refer to our webpage on locations to which you can donate bicycles: Bike Donation and Recycling.

Related pages

Are you looking to Request a Bike Rack, or Request a Bike Map, or Request Bike Publications?