Bike Thieves Beware: Phila Streets Department is Stealing Bikes Too

Looks like the city is continuing to “Unlitter Us!” – this time with damaged bikes clogging up the racks.

The Philadelphia Streets Department announced that they’re removing “abandoned’ bicycles throughout Center City & surrounding areas starting in early summer. “Abandoned bikes” are classified as:

Missing or damaged parts
In unusable condition
Have been locked in same location for 1 month or more

Citizens can call the city’s 311 tipline to report abandoned bikes, providing info with location of bike & ‘distinguishing details’.

To avoid taking wrong bikes, the City will tag bikes 1 week before the scheduled removal to allow owners to remove their bikes. Therefore, those of you with shitty/dilapidated bikes or storing your 70’s Schwinn on the same rack endlessly (who just flipped off that driver…) may want to check on your bikes to check for a marking or added slip. These bike cleanups will occur twice per year.

For those of you who purposely abandoned your bike, don’t worry – they will be donated to local charities for refurbishment.

Pic courtesy of Cycle There

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.