from a BTA program in Albany.
(File photo)
A kids bike safety program run by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) in Albany (25 miles south of Salem) was robbed over the weekend.
According to BTA Executive Director Evan Manvel thieves broke into a storage trailer and took nine Giant brand bicycles. The bikes were used in bike safety programs that reach nearly 75% of all fifth-graders in Albany.
“The loss of the bikes impacts its current classes as well as future efforts. With an insufficient fleet, kids will lose on-bike practice time.”
The BTA hopes to receive donations to cover the loss (which they estimate at around $2,500) and additional expenses to increase security to prevent future break-ins. They also have an immediate need for high-quality kids’ bikes with hand brakes and gears.
For more background, read this story in the Albany Democrat-Herald.
Anyone with information about the break-in should call the Albany Police Department, (541) 917-7686.
UPDATE: Five of the nine stolen bikes have been found. Arrests have been made. Read the full story.
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There’s a glimmer of light in this sad story. Here’s a paraphrase of a report from Jim Lawrence, program coordinator in Albany, dated Sunday May 29:
“My wife and I riding around part of Albany today, when we saw a guy cruising down the street on what looked like a program bike. We followed at a discreet distance to what must have been his residence. (It was pretty amazing for me to see him riding on the correct side of the street and actually signalling his turns.)
A quick call to our Albany police contact officer, and the guy is in jail and we have 3 bikes back. It was just a lucky break but it tells us the rest of bikes are likely still here somewhere.”
We wish them success in recovering the rest of the bikes!
death to bike theieves!
Jerks!!!!
How many readers does bikeportland have in Albany? Be on the lookout for more of these Giants.
There’s a special place in hell for bike thieves.
P Finn: seconded. There absolute is.
And Parker, thank you, it’s great to hear good news on a story like this. ^_^