Abstract
The history of the bicycle theft problem in the United States is reviewed and to state and local registration programs. Four points are stressed in examining registration and licensing programs. Visual identification of registration, by way of a license on the bike, would help discourage thieves; policemen on the street need a quick, efficient means of identifying a bicycle; as many stolen bicycles as possible should be returned to their owners; and as many bicycle thieves as possible should be caught and taken out of circulation.