Originally Posted by krome
I have picked up tossed out bikes. In the past, I have cut a lock on a stripped frame, after observing it for a month or two (it was an LL Bean bike, so don't jump on my case). That bike was eventually built up from spare parts and given to a friend. I have also picked up an unlocked bike that again was observed for weeks(in this case, it was on public property, not outside someone's house or apartment). I gave that one to someone who needed a bike. I've bought a $10 diamond back at an estate sale(again, for someone eles). Maybe I'm justifying my actions, but I feel that if someone leaves a bike unlocked on public space for weeks at a time with a flat tire, then they are giving it away. I'm not advocating bicycle thievery, but I feel that if someone can use a bike, and it is just sitting there apparently abandoned, than get that bike to persons in need. Friends of mine have had bikes stolen from their residence (left outside) and I feel that is wrong. Am I wrong, or is it just my own "honor among thieves" morality?
You're wrong. You shouldn't assume that a bike is being "given away." If it's locked, it belongs to somebody. If it's unlocked, it may have been stolen and abandoned. Either way, they're not there for the taking. They have an owner, somewhere, unless you know for a fact that they've been abandoned by the owner. If you think a bike is abandoned, report it to the cops. At least that way, the owner has the opportunity to reclaim the bike.