Protect your bike: Coding campaign in Villingen!

Protect your bike: Coding campaign in Villingen!

More and more people are relying on the bike as flexible and environmentally friendly means of transport. But this trend also brings with it an unpleasant side effect: the number of bicycle thefts continuously increases. In Germany, over 250,000 bicycles are stolen annually, which makes the Situation anything but rosy. In Freiburg alone, the property damage due to bicycle thefts in 2020 was around 1.3 million euros. It is not surprising that the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) has now launched an action to tackle this trend.

The ADFC, in collaboration with the WerkboxVs association, offers three appointments for the individual coding of bicycles in July 2025. This coding is a sensible step to put a stop to the bicycle theft. A special code is punched into the frame of the bicycle, which in the event of theft can only be removed by destroying the frame. In this way, found bikes can be clearly assigned to their owner.

Details for bicycle coding

The coding will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oberen Strasse in Villingen. Another appointment will follow on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22nd, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Schwenningen work box, Villinger Straße 35-1. With great rush, additional appointments can also be organized on request. The cost of the coding is pleasantly low: only 10 euros for ADFC members and 20 euros for non-members. Participants should bring their ID card and ideally the purchase of the bike.

However, the coding does not work without the support of members of the ADFC who work for a safer and more comfortable bicycle traffic. Membership not only brings advantages for coding, but also access to the Germany-wide breakdown aid and at special conditions for rental and car sharing providers as well as insurers and green electricity providers. Members also receive the two-month ADFC magazine, which is rich in information for cyclists.

insurance as an additional protective measure

For owners of high-quality bikes or e-bikes, additional protection is recommended by special bicycle or e-bike insurance. These insurance companies offer more comprehensive protection than household insurance. The compensation in the event of theft can be higher for such policies and, in addition to theft, also includes vandalism, accidents and more. The insurance coverage can be agreed either based on the new value or time value of the bicycle. The new value represents the amount that you get for an equivalent new wheel, while the current value depicts the value at the time of theft.

Overall, it shows that prevention against bicycle theft has numerous facets. From the coding to membership in ADFC to the right insurance coverage - with a good hand you can effectively protect your bike from the criminal machinations.

Find out now and be well prepared! For details about the coding, visit Freiburg ADFC and for information on insurance protection on GDV .