Comments on: New York City Ate My Bicycle http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:44:14 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: JC http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-39438 JC Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:17:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-39438 Silly me, I thought one could actually ride their bike to work and park it outdoors with no problems. Living up on 233rd in the Bronx and biking to 34th Street has been a lesson in tenacity, what with dodging trucks, peds and potholes. But, with the new greenway system in place I found it to be a rewarding ride. Alas, I didn't spring for the $100 kryptonite lock so all my efforts at bike commuting are for naught. My bike was stolen today, not in the shadows of night time but in broad daylight. Went to lunch, it was there. 30 minutes later, gone baby gone. So, I will revert to subway rides and reading books for now. And to the thief or thieves I hope you enjoy the bike. as much as I did. The question is, I locked it at Herald Square Park. Did the city steal my bike? Silly me, I thought one could actually ride their bike to work and park it outdoors with no problems. Living up on 233rd in the Bronx and biking to 34th Street has been a lesson in tenacity, what with dodging trucks, peds and potholes. But, with the new greenway system in place I found it to be a rewarding ride. Alas, I didn't spring for the $100 kryptonite lock so all my efforts at bike commuting are for naught. My bike was stolen today, not in the shadows of night time but in broad daylight. Went to lunch, it was there. 30 minutes later, gone baby gone. So, I will revert to subway rides and reading books for now. And to the thief or thieves I hope you enjoy the bike. as much as I did. The question is, I locked it at Herald Square Park. Did the city steal my bike?

]]> By: gavo http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-38062 gavo Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:51:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-38062 i took a ride over there on Thursday after checking out the new 9th ave bike lane. there are no signs to lock up to on the side of the oyster bar, most of the bikes were locked up across the street to the scaffolding or to the fence alongside the open air parking lot next to the oyster bar. there was a star bucks across the street. i did see a guy leaving the oyster bar with a bag. he was going to his bike across the street near starbucks. i asked him if he heard of any bike removals by city officials otr thefts, he saids he didn't know anything and wasn't particular interested in the thefts whick was kindo of weird.. i took a ride over there on Thursday after checking out the new 9th ave bike lane. there are no signs to lock up to on the side of the oyster bar, most of the bikes were locked up across the street to the scaffolding or to the fence alongside the open air parking lot next to the oyster bar. there was a star bucks across the street. i did see a guy leaving the oyster bar with a bag. he was going to his bike across the street near starbucks. i asked him if he heard of any bike removals by city officials otr thefts, he saids he didn't know anything and wasn't particular interested in the thefts whick was kindo of weird..

]]> By: gribley http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37888 gribley Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:20:53 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37888 A little late to the conversation, here, but my first assumption is that it's not official in any way but a bunch of guys stealing bikes. What better cover? Get some blue shirts and a truck and you're in business; why would the parking attendant even look twice? Cleaning up the locks only helps with the air of authenticity. And the whole thing seems far too ambitious and efficient for the local police. If it were me, I'd be tempted to stake out the place with a camera for a few days... A little late to the conversation, here, but my first assumption is that it's not official in any way but a bunch of guys stealing bikes. What better cover? Get some blue shirts and a truck and you're in business; why would the parking attendant even look twice? Cleaning up the locks only helps with the air of authenticity. And the whole thing seems far too ambitious and efficient for the local police.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to stake out the place with a camera for a few days...

]]> By: galvo http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37733 galvo Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:34:00 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37733 i didn't see anything yet, but i now know where to look, it may be a place to grab a cup of coffee and see if anything interesting is going on. i wonder how forthcoming the lot attendenat was, what type of lock and chain were used ? i didn't see anything yet, but i now know where to look, it may be a place to grab a cup of coffee and see if anything interesting is going on. i wonder how forthcoming the lot attendenat was, what type of lock and chain were used ?

]]> By: JK http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37693 JK Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:22:54 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37693 Maybe someone from TA, or a DOT lurker, can say, but isn't there an executive order allowing bikes to lock to street signs, meters and other appropriate street furniture. Or, is this pending? If so, when is it expected to take effect? (When it does, it would be great to post the entire order on the DOT/City Hall website so people can print and show to the PD/DOS/Parks etc) Maybe someone from TA, or a DOT lurker, can say, but isn't there an executive order allowing bikes to lock to street signs, meters and other appropriate street furniture. Or, is this pending? If so, when is it expected to take effect? (When it does, it would be great to post the entire order on the DOT/City Hall website so people can print and show to the PD/DOS/Parks etc)

]]> By: Stephen Kling http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37683 Stephen Kling Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:58:51 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37683 21st, between 5th and 6th Ave. Why? Did you see something? 21st, between 5th and 6th Ave. Why? Did you see something?

]]> By: galvo http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37608 galvo Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:41:39 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37608 21 street and what? where exactly was this bicycle stolen ? 21 street and what? where exactly was this bicycle stolen ?

]]> By: trek970 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37596 trek970 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:53:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37596 Two weeks ago I was in Brooklyn near the Court Street playground in Carroll Gardens. There was a bike chained to a pole on the sidewalk. A Department of Sanitation Car pulled up, two guys got out with a pair of bolt clippers, cut the padlock, and put the bike in the trunk and drove off. Total time: 4 minutes. Two weeks ago I was in Brooklyn near the Court Street playground in Carroll Gardens. There was a bike chained to a pole on the sidewalk. A Department of Sanitation Car pulled up, two guys got out with a pair of bolt clippers, cut the padlock, and put the bike in the trunk and drove off. Total time: 4 minutes.

]]> By: Ian Turner http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37589 Ian Turner Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:20:54 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37589 ln: If you do try to document bicycle seizures, you are likely to be arrested: http://www.villagevoice.com/blogs/runninscared/archives/2007/06/bike_raid_on_ea.php ln:

If you do try to document bicycle seizures, you are likely to be arrested:
http://www.villagevoice.com/blogs/runninscared/archives/2007/06/bike_raid_on_ea.php

]]> By: Julie http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37579 Julie Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:58:49 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37579 That really sucks. My folding bike was taken on Broadway, in front of 19th St. btw 2:30-3pm on a Sat. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the police, tho, as part of the lock was on the ground. Regardless, it takes absolutely no time for someone to grab it. That really sucks. My folding bike was taken on Broadway, in front of 19th St. btw 2:30-3pm on a Sat. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the police, tho, as part of the lock was on the ground. Regardless, it takes absolutely no time for someone to grab it.

]]> By: ln http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37569 ln Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:08:10 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37569 Those of us who have ridden in critical mass know that bikes stolen by the police eventually end up at what I think was called the Kingsbridge Property Warehouse in Greenpoint. But I can't find information about it on the NYPD website. Its really hard to find that out because theres no set proceedures for the NYPD to cut locks and steal bikes. Though they have been doing a lot of it lately. They often use a sanitation law to justify it. If I were you I would be hanging around those streets with a camera to catch them! Then alert the media! Those of us who have ridden in critical mass know that bikes stolen by the police eventually end up at what I think was called the Kingsbridge Property Warehouse in Greenpoint. But I can't find information about it on the NYPD website. Its really hard to find that out because theres no set proceedures for the NYPD to cut locks and steal bikes. Though they have been doing a lot of it lately. They often use a sanitation law to justify it. If I were you I would be hanging around those streets with a camera to catch them! Then alert the media!

]]> By: Stephen Kling http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37566 Stephen Kling Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:44:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37566 As to the question, could it be a gang of impersonators? I thought of that, but a friend opined, "If these guys were that organized, with fake uniforms, cars and a truck, why steal bikes? Why not knock over a bank instead?" Also, a telling detail of the theft: The broken lock was neatly removed. Who would bother taking the cut lock? Someone working for the city follwing the rules, maybe? As to the question, could it be a gang of impersonators? I thought of that, but a friend opined, "If these guys were that organized, with fake uniforms, cars and a truck, why steal bikes? Why not knock over a bank instead?"

Also, a telling detail of the theft: The broken lock was neatly removed. Who would bother taking the cut lock? Someone working for the city follwing the rules, maybe?

]]> By: Stephen Kling http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37565 Stephen Kling Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:40:59 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37565 Why am I so sure it was the police? Four guys who are parking lot attendants nearby all excitedly told me it was "two police cars, about 5 policemen, and a big truck." Technically, it may not have been police, i.e. NYPD, but the number of uniformed forces in Manhattan is truly amazing: NYPD, Traffic Enforcement, D.O.T., Sanitation, Parks, Buildings, special NYPD Task Forces, Parking Violations....it goes on. Why am I so sure it was the police?

Four guys who are parking lot attendants nearby all excitedly told me it was "two police cars, about 5 policemen, and a big truck." Technically, it may not have been police, i.e. NYPD, but the number of uniformed forces in Manhattan is truly amazing: NYPD, Traffic Enforcement, D.O.T., Sanitation, Parks, Buildings, special NYPD Task Forces, Parking Violations....it goes on.

]]> By: JF http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37559 JF Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:48:07 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37559 Or some friends of the parking attendant. Or some friends of the parking attendant.

]]> By: Larry Littlefield http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37558 Larry Littlefield Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:46:11 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37558 (Although the NYPD has a history of harassing Critical Mass riders, it is possible that criminal elements are at work here.) A real possibility. Either a cell of rogue cops off duty, or people who aren't cops at all in uniform. Either one would be much scarier than mistaken enforcement, although confusion about enforcement would help non-police to perpetuate the scam. (Although the NYPD has a history of harassing Critical Mass riders, it is possible that criminal elements are at work here.)

A real possibility. Either a cell of rogue cops off duty, or people who aren't cops at all in uniform. Either one would be much scarier than mistaken enforcement, although confusion about enforcement would help non-police to perpetuate the scam.

]]> By: Larry Lagarde http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37554 Larry Lagarde Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:40:26 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37554 Although the NYPD has a history of harassing Critical Mass riders, it is possible that criminal elements are at work here. I'd watch Craigslist and eBay to see if your bike comes up. What model folder was it anyway? Although the NYPD has a history of harassing Critical Mass riders, it is possible that criminal elements are at work here. I'd watch Craigslist and eBay to see if your bike comes up. What model folder was it anyway?

]]> By: skeptic http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37553 skeptic Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:34:50 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37553 Why are you so sure it was the police? Why are you so sure it was the police?

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37552 mike Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:29:11 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37552 Excuse me, but what in the hell is wrong with cops in this City? Why do they consistently act like thugs when it comes to bicyclists? Why does it seem like those in charge of enforcing the law are the least likely to actually know what the law is? If Bloomberg is so serious about greening the City, why doesn't he give Kelly an ultimatum - clean up your act or else? The NYPD is a paramilitary organization -- an order from the top will filter down. It just takes some awareness and some fortitude on the part of its "leadership". Excuse me, but what in the hell is wrong with cops in this City? Why do they consistently act like thugs when it comes to bicyclists? Why does it seem like those in charge of enforcing the law are the least likely to actually know what the law is? If Bloomberg is so serious about greening the City, why doesn't he give Kelly an ultimatum - clean up your act or else? The NYPD is a paramilitary organization -- an order from the top will filter down. It just takes some awareness and some fortitude on the part of its "leadership".

]]> By: bernardo issel http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37546 bernardo issel Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:28:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37546 Ask Bloomberg tonight about bikes. Short notice buy maybe someone from this community can head over there and pose the question to him. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and journalist Tom Brokaw at The Cooper Union Dialogue Series, Tuesday, September 25th at 6 p.m. The event is free but seating is limited. The latest in The Cooper Union Dialogue Series, this event features a conversation between Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and journalist and former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw on issues of national importance. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event, September 25, 2007 starting at 4:00 p.m. in front of Cooper Union's Foundation Building: 7 E 7th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues. The free event begins promptly at 6 p.m. in The Great Hall. The doors will close at 5:45 p.m. Cooper Union's President George Campbell Jr., the host of the event, and former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo will make opening remarks introducing the speakers. from http://www.cooper.edu/news/newslink.html#cuds2 Ask Bloomberg tonight about bikes.
Short notice buy maybe someone from this community can head over there and pose the question to him.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and journalist Tom Brokaw at The Cooper Union Dialogue Series, Tuesday, September 25th at 6 p.m.
The event is free but seating is limited. The latest in The Cooper Union Dialogue Series, this event features a conversation between Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and journalist and former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw on issues of national importance. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event, September 25, 2007 starting at 4:00 p.m. in front of Cooper Union's Foundation Building: 7 E 7th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues. The free event begins promptly at 6 p.m. in The Great Hall. The doors will close at 5:45 p.m. Cooper Union's President George Campbell Jr., the host of the event, and former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo will make opening remarks introducing the speakers.

from
http://www.cooper.edu/news/newslink.html#cuds2

]]> By: INEPTA http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/comment-page-1/#comment-37532 INEPTA Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:25:54 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/09/25/new-york-city-ate-my-bicycle/#comment-37532 Perhaps you can go back to the parking lot attendant who tipped you off in the first place. Give him $5 to have him find out who the confiscators are and give you a call the next time they show up. Who knows... it might work. Perhaps you can go back to the parking lot attendant who tipped you off in the first place. Give him $5 to have him find out who the confiscators are and give you a call the next time they show up. Who knows... it might work.

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