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.