Run the number through the local sheriff just on the off chance that the bike is registered.
The local sheriff? Bike registration? This is New York City.
You already got told this. If it has been abandoned, then it either belongs to the building owner (if it's on private property) or the city (if it's on public property). If it's on private property, speak to the building owner about their policy toward abandoned property. If it's on public property, speak to the city about their policy on abandoned property.
Come back in another six weeks, the answer will still be the same.
Thanks so much for your expert instruction in the law. I have no doubt that you are highly qualified to give such instruction. I'm sure your answer will be the same in six weeks. I don't care.
I'd leave a note and then tell the security in the nearest building, and perhaps a local cop also, that you've found this abandoned bike, what the situation is, and your phone number in case someone reports it stolen. I'd tell the security guys about it BEFORE you start to cut, in case a cop sees you and asks what the hell you're doing.
I think you're right, eventually it'll just rot and get cut off and thrown out. At least this way it's got a chance.
There's actually some good sense in this post. Although I don't think a New York local cop would really care one way or the other.
In any event, there's no more room in my already crowded apartment for another bike, due to a recent acquisition. Too bad. I hope someone puts this bike to good use -- it's a shame to see it simply dissolve into a pile of rust and rot. If it were a newer bike, I'm sure it would be stripped down to the frame by this point.