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Report an Abandoned Bike
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. Emailed locations will not be considered.
Notice posted 01-06-09: Due to winter weather conditions, regular abandoned bike removal has been suspended until April 1st.
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.
What happens to abandoned bikes?
Here's an explanation on how the City of Chicago deals with abandoned bikes.
- Reports of abandoned bikes are made by Ward staffers 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 suspected abandoned bike.
- The staff member uses a defined set of criteria in addition to his or her judgment about the condition of the bicycle.
- If the suspected 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 City crew will be dispatched to remove the bike.
After the abandoned bike is removed, it is stored in a city warehouse for a short time before being turned over to Working Bikes Cooperative, which refurbishes the bike for charity and public sale. Please visit the Working Bikes Cooperative website for more information about that non-profit organization.
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.
Are you looking to Request a Bike Rack, or Request a Bike Map, or Request Bike Publications?
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