When Kate VallanceB次元官网网址檚 bike went missing from outside her condo July 18, she didnB次元官网网址檛 expect to see it again.
The University of Victoria researcher, who cycles to work most days, had just finished installing a long-awaited bike rack outside her building the day before. Overnight, her 10-speed Raleigh had been stolen. The following morning, she reported it to VicPD and posted on asking users to keep their eyes peeled for the pale green frame with an B次元官网网址渆at more kaleB次元官网网址� sticker on the basket fastened to the rear fender.
B次元官网网址淎 young man who was leaving the Island contacted me and said, B次元官网网址榟ey, would you like my bike?B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� Vallance said.
She picked it up the same day, complete with a helmet and lock. By then, a friend had alerted her to B次元官网网址淪tolen Bike Avengers,B次元官网网址� a Facebook group where she also posted about her missing bike.
B次元官网网址淚t turns out police use it quite often to track stolen bikes while doing their rounds around town,B次元官网网址� Vallance explained. B次元官网网址淭hat way, if they see bikes that look familiar, they can compare photos.B次元官网网址�
On July 24, an officer called to say VallanceB次元官网网址檚 bike had not only been found, but the person who had it was unaware it had been reported stolen and promptly handed it over. B次元官网网址淚 was so surprised,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 thought it was gone for sure; it was so lovely, it was like Christmas.B次元官网网址�
Now the owner of two bikes, but just one set of feet, Vallance looked to pay forward the kindness she had received. She donated the second bike last week, to , a local non-profit where she volunteers, but not before giving it a basket and an B次元官网网址渆at more kaleB次元官网网址� sticker of its own.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of hate out there for people who are stealing bikes but I think sometimes people have challenging situations in their lives and are not always making the choices they want to,B次元官网网址� she said.
Rachel Phillips, executive director of Peers Victoria, said a donation like this is rare and much appreciated.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really great because there are a lot of people who we serve who are either riding the bus or use bicycles,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to give it to someone specifically who needs a bike for getting to and from work.B次元官网网址�
Anyone with spare bike parts to donate or perhaps time to give a class on how to tune up your ride is encouraged to contact Peers, Phillips added. B次元官网网址淎nything that promotes cycling and getting used bikes out to those who need them is welcome,B次元官网网址� she said.
The organization helps with housing, training opportunities, advocacy and public education around sex work.
