Living Car Free - Thievery:/

Well, I am now not only car free but bicycle free too:/ Pretty bummed out as I am very poor and currently finishing study/looking for work, and have no other bikes. Bikes get stolen so often now matter how hefty the locks or how crap the bike, it makes one feel hopeless.

My plan is to get another lock, make sure I use both my locks this time (cable and U-lock) and buy an older/beater bike, but even then will it be enough? *sigh* maybe I should just always try and live within walking distance of everything.

Anyway, I'm run-commuting to tech school tommorow, will see how it goes:p

I had my $100 bike stolen a while back. It was a pile of crap and I pity the person that stole, but I still hated to lose it!

Here in the US, bikes are quite often stolen on a whim, abandoned, turned in to the police, and then never reclaimed. So periodically, they will auction those bikes. They will normally go for $5-$20 or so, typically cheaper bikes that cost maybe $100 new- you might check if anything like that is around.

Well, I am now not only car free but bicycle free too:/ Pretty bummed out as I am very poor and currently finishing study/looking for work, and have no other bikes. Bikes get stolen so often now matter how hefty the locks or how crap the bike, it makes one feel hopeless.

My plan is to get another lock, make sure I use both my locks this time (cable and U-lock) and buy an older/beater bike, but even then will it be enough? *sigh* maybe I should just always try and live within walking distance of everything.

Anyway, I'm run-commuting to tech school tommorow, will see how it goes:p
Try goodwill for a cheapo bike. I was lucky enough to find a centurion that actually fit me correctly at one.

I don't know what a goodwill is I'm afraid:/

And that's an interesting piece of info Stephen, I was so despondent I figured I wouldn't bother going to the police but I think I might now.

Oh, I didn't look at where you're from. Goodwill is a secondhand thrift chain in the US. I think it'd be worth a look at whatever thrift stores you have in NZ to try and pick up a new set of wheels. You might find something decent.

Well, I am now not only car free but bicycle free too:/ Pretty bummed out as I am very poor and currently finishing study/looking for work, and have no other bikes. Bikes get stolen so often now matter how hefty the locks or how crap the bike, it makes one feel hopeless.

My plan is to get another lock, make sure I use both my locks this time (cable and U-lock) and buy an older/beater bike, but even then will it be enough? *sigh* maybe I should just always try and live within walking distance of everything.

Anyway, I'm run-commuting to tech school tommorow, will see how it goes:p

What lock were you using?

Wow I am glad I haven't ever had a bike stolen.

I live in a low-theft area though and hardly anyone rides bikes here. My bike is extremely heavy (about 50 pounds now) so I think it might be kind of hard to steal...


Good luck on getting another and I hope no one takes it!

I'm really sorry about the theft of your bike. I had one stolen recently too. Don't tell the crooks, but I keep enough cash on hand that I can go out and buy a bike if mine's stolen.

BTW, the thrift store isn't a very good place to buy bikes around here, anyway. I've had better luck at pawn shops when I needed a bike "right now". Craigslist is another option, but it might take a little longer to get your new ride.

Well, I am now not only car free but bicycle free too:/ Pretty bummed out as I am very poor and currently finishing study/looking for work, and have no other bikes. Bikes get stolen so often now matter how hefty the locks or how crap the bike, it makes one feel hopeless.

My plan is to get another lock, make sure I use both my locks this time (cable and U-lock) and buy an older/beater bike, but even then will it be enough? *sigh* maybe I should just always try and live within walking distance of everything.

Anyway, I'm run-commuting to tech school tommorow, will see how it goes:p

I stopped riding regular nonfolding bikes for the simple reason of high bike theft here in Southern California.
I now ride folding bikes only. My last regular bike is being given away because I can't ride it and park/store anywhere in this region. I rather buy one folding bike new for more money than spend money on a used regular bike that would likely be stolen sometimes during it's time with me. And that would be a waste of money if I have to put out more money to replace it-even used.

As for locks, I no longer need to use them (I keep the folding bike with me at all times covered and hidden away in a bag that I made quite cheaply and easy to sew myself). That is true liberation! See the bike in that bag:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/988690181/in/set-72157601331380862/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/988690181/in/set-72157601331380862/)