Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.John Z. Doe
10-22-06, 10:29 PM
Hello,
First, I'm new to the site, so pardon me for jumping in with this question (I cruised the FAQ first and didn't find what I'm looking for).
Now that's out of the way, I have an ethical dilemma and would like the advice and imput of other bikers.
I live in a large city. There's a bike around the corner from my apartment, it's a good brand of bike, but it's been sitting there for at least two months, untouched.
Although it's well-locked (two chains) to an iron fence with the seat removed, it's on a busy street. It's starting to rust and the tires are well to being flat. I've left notes on the bike saying "move this or else" with no response. I first noticed it at least two months ago, and by all indicatations, it has been moved at all.
I covet this bike and have been debating what to do. I called the cops a month ago and they were ambivalent. I've posted on other sites, and the general consensus is, if no one cares enough to move it after two months, than it should be considered abandoned.
So, what do y'all think? Is it wrong, unethical, and illegal for me to jack the lock and take this bike? Is it a crime if no one complains? What if I do my best to make sure to contact the owner, like leaving notes saying "I took your bike. Email me if you want it back", etc etc?
Your imput, please.
Thank you.
First, I'm new to the site, so pardon me for jumping in with this question (I cruised the FAQ first and didn't find what I'm looking for).
Now that's out of the way, I have an ethical dilemma and would like the advice and imput of other bikers.
I live in a large city. There's a bike around the corner from my apartment, it's a good brand of bike, but it's been sitting there for at least two months, untouched.
Although it's well-locked (two chains) to an iron fence with the seat removed, it's on a busy street. It's starting to rust and the tires are well to being flat. I've left notes on the bike saying "move this or else" with no response. I first noticed it at least two months ago, and by all indicatations, it has been moved at all.
I covet this bike and have been debating what to do. I called the cops a month ago and they were ambivalent. I've posted on other sites, and the general consensus is, if no one cares enough to move it after two months, than it should be considered abandoned.
So, what do y'all think? Is it wrong, unethical, and illegal for me to jack the lock and take this bike? Is it a crime if no one complains? What if I do my best to make sure to contact the owner, like leaving notes saying "I took your bike. Email me if you want it back", etc etc?
Your imput, please.
Thank you.