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AFAC

AFAC processes and registers bicycles that have been removed by urban district councils in Amsterdam (abandoned or badly parked bicycles). Cycling is such an established part of transport culture in Holland that 'broken bike effect' is an issue that warrants concerted response.

AFAC reunite bikes with their owners and implement a registration scheme that makes it harder for bike thieves to operate, and easy for owners to identify their own bikes. When a bike arrives, checks are done to find out whether the bike carries an AFAC registration number and whether the bicycle has been reported lost or stolen.

Bike owners can come to AFAC to recollect their bikes along with proof of ownership (e.g. by presenting the correct key for the lock). They also have to identify themselves; this is also registered in the database. All bikes arriving at AFAC are given a unique AFAC identifying number on a sticker that is attached at the handlebar. This number and all identifying features of the bike are recorded on AFAC’s automated system. The system allows the bike to be searched for under any of the features entered. These features include colour, make, model, frame number, accessories and customisations. Once registered, each bike is engraved with its unique AFAC registration number. Dutch bike manufacturers are also marking bikes using the same coding system. The uniform system introduced by AFAC aids proof of ownership and crime prevention.

On average there are 12,000 bikes at the AFAC; 30-40% of these bikes are recollected by their owners. The bikes are kept for a statutory period of 3 months, and if unclaimed will then be sorted into one of 3 groups (a) bikes to be destroyed; (b) bikes to be resold and (c) bikes that may be given to charitable initiatives. Using this method of ‘capture, tag and return’ AFAC are gradually achieving registration of Amsterdam’s cycle population leading to improved vehicle management and security.

Provider
The city of Amsterdam (the Department of Infrastructure Traffic & Transport) is owner of the AFAC.

Approximate Cost per Bike
If the bike is proved to be theirs, it can return to its owner for a fee of €10; stolen bikes are returned to the owner free of charge. If requested the bike can be dropped anywhere in Amsterdam for €10 extra.
AFAC teams are regularly sent out within the city offering free registration.

Strengths
• A well organised and efficient system
• A system that not only registers bicycles but manages cycle parking throughout the city
• Responding to bicycle crime by identifying stolen bikes and reuniting them with their owners where possible, and investigating and relocating abandoned bikes in a responsible and responsive manner

Weaknesses
• The compound is located outside of the city making it difficult to reach
• The €10 collection fee may put off owners of old bikes that have been removed from reclaiming them

Useful References
www.afac.amsterdam.nl