When does an 'abandoned' bike become fair game?
Okay, let me say first up - I'm completely against stealing bikes. It's not cool.
However... there is a old beat up racer with flat tyres, no pedals and it has been chained up to road sign (one which you could lift the bike chain over) for 3 weeks now. I know this because it is literally around the corner from me. So I'd like a beat up bike to jet around town... would need a fair bit of work but is it wrong to take it?
Part of me says yes because whoever (if anyone) who owns it does not seem to care about it and it is unridable as it is, but part of says its bad bike karma and wrong to take something that isn't mine.
What are other people's thoughts?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by daniel f on -
Thats what I would say too but surely they did not think a postbox padlock and 3mm chain would keep it safe? For three weeks straight out on the street though?
-
Permalink Reply by Teddles on -
Would you grab the bike in broad daylight, or would you wait till the cover of darkness to grab it?
-
Permalink Reply by daniel f on
-
I was going to put a note on it and wait a week. But rossmg makes a good point, council will remove it if it sits there long enough.
-
Permalink Reply by daniel f on
-
Good point but I'd probably do broad day light so that if someone did care they would notify me and it wouldn't be done on the sly.
-
Permalink Reply by rossmg on -
It will probably sit there until council comes along and removes it. Been there for 3 weeks? I'd go grab it if you are confident it really is abandoned. Your description certainly sounds as if it has been.
I used to live in Japan and abandoned bicycles were (are) quite common. I rescued a couple during the time I was there and grabbed parts off of many others. When did they become fair game? Pretty much the moment they were abandoned.
-
Permalink Reply by Dahondude on -
Same in the Netherlands. They have a huge problem with abandoned bikes, all locked up but owner gone AWOL.
-
Permalink Reply by heather on -
A compromise. Take the bike but leave a note with your mobile phone number. Landline and email address might make nuisance calls easier. If the owner does not contact you within 3 months with description of bike, then recycle the bike.
© 2013 Created by Gus K.
