punkinevil

https://gawker.com/the-nypd-is-steali...own-1636413388

This article is from Gawker and unvetted by me, but I figured it was worth mentioning. If it is true, it is certainly unfortunate given the lack of "legitimate" bike racks in town and the number of existing ones that are in accessible because they are full to capacity with derelict bikes.

linnefaulk

It seems crazy.

walrus1

This is not entirely new. Occasionally when a VIP like the president comes into town or there is a major event at the UN the NYPD seize bikes along potential VIP travel routes. Which is stupid cause they use a power saw to saw through the lock and throw it in the back of a truck. If there was a bomb his would certinally set it off killing or injuring the officers. I figured it had something to do with the massive conference the UN is holding on Monday. Apparently several heads of state and many senior government officials will be in attendance.

Occasionally a precinct will get confused a cut down bikes attached to street signs and parking meters. However its been awhile since I've run across an old style parking meter. The NYPD can legally remove your bike if you lock it in such away as to block the street or sidewalk. Although I've never heard of it happening.

Also locking your bike to MTA property, bus stops and subway entrances etc., is forbidden by MTA rules and they can and occasionally do remove your bikes.

I'd take this gawker story with a grain of salt. I've never heard of the NYPD removing a bike to stop theft and it seems very counter intuitive. I've also never heard of a bicycle rental place stealing bikes to rent them out. If you're familiar with them you notice each company tends to only have three or four models that they rent out. I guess buying in bulk is cheaper and it reduces the different in of spare parts they have to keep on hand.
its possible the precinct officer is just confused. Its pretty alarming how often the NYPD is completely befuddled

linnefaulk

This makes sense but not just on an ordinary day. Seems like there are more important things to do.

walrus1

Would make sense however the NYPD don't put notices on bicycles stating they will be removed if the owners don't move them like they do with cars.