The number of bicycle thefts rose for the second consecutive year in 2024—by nearly five percent to 19,455—reported mobility organization VCÖ on Wednesday. Around two-thirds of the incidents occurred in state capitals. In absolute terms, Vienna recorded the most cases with 7,009. Relative to population, however, the capital city had the third-lowest rate, at 35 thefts per 10,000 inhabitants.

Salzburg city had the highest rate, with 70 stolen bikes per 10,000 residents, followed by Klagenfurt at 65, the VCÖ analysis of Interior Ministry data showed.

The fewest bicycle thefts occurred in the districts of Güssing (2), Hermagor (3), and Feldkirchen (5). Outside the capitals, Dornbirn district saw the most thefts, with 368.

Only 1,731 bicycle thefts were solved last year, yielding a very low clearance rate of 8.9 percent. Noting your bike’s frame number makes recovery easier if it’s found. For high-value or newer bikes, the VCÖ recommends theft insurance that covers component theft.

Although up by almost 900 cases year-on-year, the total for 2024 remained below the pre-Corona level—20,805 in 2019 and even 28,274 in 2014. Austria has more than seven million bicycles in total.

“A key prevention measure is providing sufficient, secure bike parking, especially at busy locations such as shopping streets, leisure venues, sports facilities, universities, and schools,” said VCÖ spokesperson Christian Gratzer. Train stations, subway stops, and bus shelters also count. Where parking is lacking, the organization invites the public to mark missing sites on an online map; entries will be forwarded to the responsible municipality. Participation is open until May 4.