3 KW cyclists explain why they don’t ride nice bikes
Matthew Kang | CBC News | Posted: June 19, 2013 9:44 AM | Last Updated: June 19, 2013
Scratches and rusty parts act as theft deterrent
As the weather gets warmer, the number of bikes reported stolen generally rises.
In April and the first three weeks of May this year, 110 bicycle theft reports were filed in Waterloo. This constituted an increase of 15 per cent over the same period in 2012.
While a solid lock seems the most logical solution to this problem, three cyclists from Waterloo Region have found that the scratches, dents and rust on their bikes have also helped to camouflage their beloved rides from thieves.
Marie Claire Brisbois
Age - 31
Bike - Suteki
Time owned - 11 years
Reason bought - Bought by parents specifically so it wouldn't get stolen.
Connection to bike - "I have a lot of affection for this bike because it's been through a lot with me. But honestly I don't spend a lot of time looking at it, I use it to get around."
Matthew Day
Age - 32
Bike - Peugeot
Time owned - 7 years
Reason bought - Had three previous bikes stolen.
Connection with bike - "There's nothing really beautiful about Henri [the bike], just his character, just his soul."
Matt McBride
Age - 41
Bike - 1977 Supercycle 3 speed
Time owned - A little over one year
Reason bought - Previous bike was stolen.
Connection with bike - "I really like the bike because it's so ugly it's a little bit good looking."