I used to work in small rural communities, border towns, etc, and I would look for cheap bikes at thrift shops, like $5 or 10, and ride them while I was on the job and then give them away once work was finished up. I have a part-time job now managing some storage rentals and I have come across several abandoned bikes and I usually donate them to a community non-profit that gives them to the needy.

My son just started college in Denver area and within the first month or so his bike, a Kona, was ripped from racks at dormitory which is a real pisser. Just sent him another bike a few weeks ago but he's keeping in his room, I hope, lol!