[ethomson]

Okay, but if I report my Trek 9.9 with serial number XYZ as stolen, it doesn't really matter if Cannondale or Walmart Bikes or whomever also uses a serial number XYZ, does it?

And if uniqueness is somehow important, then the idea of local governments having some registry is just as bad. My road bike would have four of these silly municipal numbers on them from four different municipalities, about to be five. I can't imagine that this number is any more unique amongst municipalities as it is amongst vendors.