cycle.tw

Riding in Taiwan

Parking and theft

Park where it's allowed, lock to something fixed, and keep proof of ownership.

Where you may park

The lawBy law, bicycles must be parked in designated places or inside marked bays; where there is no bicycle parking, they may park where ordinary motorcycles may park (Road Traffic Safety Rules Art. 131). Improper parking can be fined NT$300 to NT$1,200 (Act Art. 74). No national article was found that specifically mentions locking to railings or signposts; local rules and removal of obstructing bikes may apply.
Road Traffic Safety Rules, Article 131; Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, Article 74

Our adviceUse official bike racks at MRT and train stations where available, and never block walkways, tactile paving, fire lanes or doorways.

Locking up

Police advice (Taipei City Police, published on npa.gov.tw, July 2026): park where there are CCTV cameras and more people around, and add an anti-theft lock. Cycle.tw adds: lock the frame and a wheel to a fixed bike rack, and photograph the bike and its frame number.

  • Use a solid lock through the frame and a wheel, around something fixed such as a bike rack.
  • Take lights, bags and anything quick-release with you.
  • Before your trip, photograph the bike, write down the frame (serial) number and keep the receipt.

If your bike is stolen

Report a theft to the police (nearest police station, or 110). Bring proof of ownership: purchase receipt or warranty card, frame number and photos. Police can trace CCTV; a 2026 Taipei case was solved this way. Recovered bikes in Taipei are listed by the Taipei police Criminal Investigation Corps; owners claim them with proof of purchase and ID at the station that found the bike.

Taipei City Police run an online voluntary bicycle registration system (民眾自行車實名自主登錄) where owners record their bike's body identification code. Several county police forces have offered anti-theft marking (烙碼 or 防竊標碼) in past years, but current availability varies by county; ask the local police.

If a rented bike or YouBike goes missing

For a YouBike or rented bike, tell the operator at once. YouBike asks renters to report the loss to the police themselves.

No promisesA police report is what insurers and rental companies ask for. It doesn't guarantee the bike will be found.

Sources

Checked November 2026 Laws are amended; next review February 2027.

Questions

What should I do if my bike is stolen in Taiwan?

Report it at the nearest police station, or call 110 if you are unsure. Bring proof of ownership such as the receipt, the frame number and photos. For a rented bike or a YouBike, tell the operator at once too.