This Machine, a Tulsa nonprofit that oversees an electrical bike-sharing program, instructed News On 6 it has had dozens of bicycles stolen and vandalized within the final 12 months.
Executive Director, Katie Sawicki, stated this system has 50 bike stations across the metro the place individuals can take a look at and return the electrical bikes, however solely half the bikes are presently accessible due to theft and vandalism. Sawicki took News On 6 contained in the bike store close to Route 66 and Peoria, the place dozens of bikes are ready to be mounted, broken from vandalism.
“It’s really hard because it affects our ability to operate, and it affects people to have confidence in our system,” stated Sawicki.
Sawicki stated thieves additionally stole seven bikes within the final two weeks and 35 within the final 12 months and a half.
“Somebody will steal the bike, they’ll think this is a great option, and then they’ll slowly start to take it apart and then maybe use the parts for their bike and then realize the bikes are not compatible,” explained Sawicki. “The parts don’t work.”
Sawicki stated the bikes value $2,000 every, however thieves who promote the components for scrap might get solely $5 to $10.
As for monitoring down the bikes or bandits, Sawicki stated it’s powerful.
“So, we can track it four ways, but if they smash it, then it makes it so we can’t find the bikes, but also in smashing the GPS unit, it smashes the bike as well, so the bike’s not operational,” defined Sawicki.
This Machine stated it has offered 20,000 rides this 12 months and won’t let criminals put the brakes on its mission.
“And we’re just trying to be operational for you to make your lives healthier, to make transportation easier, and to be an environmentally friendly option,” stated Sawicki.
This Machine plans to develop to North Tulsa and different stops within the spring.
You can donate to the non-profit on its web site right here