Make up some official letterhead and say that you're the police and the bike will be removed if not contacted at this number by this time. Yeah, that's a good idea.

don't steal bikes bro. and karma is not a "bitc*". karma is just. you reap what you sow.

I like your avatar. Best CBK album. They've steadily declined since, unfortunately.

definitely the best cbk album. i don't dig the current vocalist as much.

But is it really theft if it has been abandoned? I'm gonna try to see if it has just been forgotten about. If no one cares for it anymore, I'll put it to good use. If it is someone's, then they should be ashamed of themselves for leaving it.

Good on the note, don't steal bikes.

yes it is still theft if it's been abandoned. you are taking something into your possession that does not belong to you. it's not like finding a book on the subway. it's a locked bike.

But it's not theft when the city eventually takes it?

it's a trap

Considering you have no idea what circumstances may have led to this person abandoning their bike, I don't think you can make that judgment. But yeah, leave a note. And don't steal it even if you don't get a reply. This is just one of those situations in which you have to think, "ugh what a shame," and then move on with your life.

Oh yeah axing the police about it is a good idea too.

Where is it? I'll steal the filthy motha ******. No, seriously,

Truth. This person may have had to suddenly up and leave the area due to any number of circumstances. How nice for him or her to return and find this bike right where they left it. If it's been there for 6 months now unmolested, I'm guessing that vultures are not a problem and the seat, wheels, bars etc will in all likelihood not be stolen in future. If you are truly paranoid about someone stealing it, check with the local bylaw office. I'm sure there is something in there about abandoned property. The cops will cut it down, and auction it off. Then if you really want the damn thing, go to the auction and buy it.

So, I just checked Chicago laws about abandoned bikes. After one week of non-movement on a public way it is considered abandoned. Since it has been on a sidewalk for 6 months, I'm gonna assume it is abandoned. But, I'll still leave a note. And Scrod, good point. Especially since the city will just auction the thing, and I'd be riding it.

Exactly. There was a GTB sitting U-locked to a parking meter in my town a while back for about two months until we noticed parts starting to disappear from it. By the time four months had rolled by, it was down to the frame, fork, headset and left crank arm (for whatever reason). I asked one of the cops I'm friendly with what was up with it and he said "If you can get that thing off the pole, its yours". My friend Ethan is still riding it.

Personally, I wouldn't take it, I just wouldn't feel right about taking something that doesn't belong to me no matter the circumstances, but city ordinances seem to be ok so do what you gotta do.