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CITY OF MADISON BICYCLE
REGISTRATION & RENEWAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:


CITY OF MADISON BICYCLE REGISTRATION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
(Read and follow carefully while filling out form)

Fee/Family Plan: Each registration costs $10.00, with one exception: If this will be the third or subsequent bicycle currently registered with the City of Madison from the bicycle owner's immediate family, the fee is thereby reduced from $10.00 to $8.00 for this application. Fraudulent applications will be prosecuted.

Serial Number: This is the most important identifying feature of your bicycle. It must be included for the best results if your bicycle is stolen. This number is unique to the bicycle and is found on the bicycle's frame. See diagram below.

Manufacturer: This name should be on the front of the bicycle's head tube or down tube. Examples are Schwinn, GT, Huffy, Trek.

Model: This is the secondary name for the bicycle. Examples include Varsity, Mojave Gulch, DuraSport, 730, Hardrock.

Type of Frame: Check the frame and select the type from the list. Note: Mountain bike and BMX are not frame types but descriptions of the equipment on the bicycle; use Bicycle Type.

Bicycle Type: Indicate the type of bicycle. If you are unsure, choose "other".

Other Description: Optional. Indicate any unique identifying features.

Wheel Size: Should be indicated on the sidewall of the tire. An example of a wheel size on the tire is 26 x 1.50" Enter 26 as the wheel size in this case.

Frame Size: Measure from the top of the seat tube (not the top of the seat) to the center of the bottom bracket (crank). Round to the nearest half-inch or centimeter. If you are registering a recumbent enter "0" as the frame size. See diagram below for how to measure frame size.

# of Speeds: Indicate number of speeds or gears on your bicycle. To figure out the number of speeds your bicycle has, multiply the rear wheel gears by the chain rings (or the gears in front). Common speeds include 21 (7x3) and 27 (9x3)

Color: If the bicycle has one predominant color, write that color under "1st Color" and leave "2nd Color" blank. If the bicycle has two colors, write the most predominant as the "1st Color" and the secondary color as the "2nd Color."

Renewing Expired Registration: Fill out this application completely if the owner is renewing an expired City of Madison bicycle registration. The original cost of the registration is the price of the renewal. Enter the old bicycle registration number in the box provided (it begins with a letter, then five numbers).

Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of registration decal.

Diagram showing typical serial number locations and how to measure frame size

Q: Where can I register my bike?
A: You can register your bicycle immediately in person at any Madison store selling bicycles, or at the City Treasurer's Office in the City County Building off the Square. Go to the City's website for a PDF version of a mail in registration form to download or contact the Bicycle Registration Program at 266-4474 or email bikereg@cityofmadison.com for a form to be sent to you.

Q: Is registration required by law?
A: City of Madison Ordinance 12.78(1) requires all bicycles used by Madison residents to be registered. Failure to do so could result in a fine and fees of around $50.

Q: How long are registrations valid?
A: Registrations are valid for four years. The expiration date is printed at the bottom of the registration decal. A renewal notice will be mailed to you a month before expiration.

Q: What if I don't live in Madison?
A: Check with your local police about registration. If there is not a program available, you can register with the City of Madison. There is no residency requirement. You only need to register your bicycle with one municipality.

Q: What if I cannot find and/or read my bicycle's serial number?
A: If your bicycle does not have a serial number, you can have one engraved on your bicycle frame. If the serial number is hard to read or partially covered, write down as much as you can.

Q: What if my bicycle does not have a manufacturer and/or model indicated?
A: You can still register your bicycle without this information. Type "Unknown" in the field.

Q: What is the family plan?
A: Registrations cost $10 with one exception: If you have two bikes currently with valid Madison registrations, the fee for the third and subsequent bicycles is reduced to $8. The family plan is to assist immediate family members in defraying the cost and to encourage registration of all bicycles. If renewing a registration under the family plan, the fee for the renewal is the original cost of the registration.

Q: Will I receive something in the mail confirming registration?
A: Please allow two weeks for delivery of your registration decal.

Q: How can I contact the Registration Program?
A: You can contact the Bicycle Registration Program by email bikereg@cityofmadison.com or call 266-4474