Cycling advocate mayoral candidate’s bike stolen

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This article was published 30/08/2022 (750 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bike theft is everywhere in Winnipeg these days — just ask mayoral candidate Rick Shone.

Minutes after leaving a campaign announcement Wednesday — coincidentally focused on active transportation and anti-bike theft measures — Shone had his orange Rossin bicycle clipped from a rack on his truck, which he had parked outside his West End business.

“I’m going to say it was a dumb thing on my part, but in reality, I shouldn’t have had my bike stolen either,” Shone said. “The timing was a little odd.”

He had run into his outdoor supply store for a moment before he planned to head home, leaving the bicycle’s wheel cable-locked to the rack. In the few minutes he was inside, a pair of people riding bicycles by stopped, snapped the lock and made off with the bicycle.

In a social media post, fellow mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari, who recently had the catalytic converter stolen from her campaign vehicle, gave her condolences.

“Hope (you) find (your) bike faster than I’ve been able to find a catalytic converter. I’ll def keep my eyes peeled for it,” Bokhari wrote, referring to an automotive part prized by thieves for the precious metals contained inside.

Shone is promising to “at least double” the $18.8 million the city expects to devote to active transportation over the next four years, if he wins the mayoral race.

Shone says he would “fast-track” cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, if elected, prioritizing investments that complete gaps in the existing bike network, add protected bike lanes, offer more bike racks, improve the sidewalk network, or improve “wayfinding.”

“Safer bike networks means more cyclists, less car traffic and reduced wear and tear on our roads. Active transportation boils down to finding convenient and safe ways of moving around neighbourhoods. It’s great for the environment and for our health and well-being,” Shone said in an earlier news release.

He expects the city could secure federal and provincial funding to help cover some of the cost.

Shone also promised to incorporate active transportation infrastructure into all street renewal and reconstruction projects; ensure new communities are designed with AT routes; require designated temporary cycling lanes through construction zones that close existing bikes lanes; and ensure all busses are equipped with bike racks within four years.

In his Wednesday announcement, Shone also promised to replace Winnipeg’s bike registration system with a national network that aims to deter theft.

Shone said he hadn’t had a personal bike stolen since 1995. “Normally, I’m really good (with anti-theft measures) — I understand the benefit of quality locks, I was just rushing (Wednesday).”

There are 14 candidates registered to run for mayor in the municipal election, which will take place Oct. 26.

— with files from Joyanne Pursaga

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera

Erik Pindera
Reporter

Erik Pindera reports for the city desk, with a particular focus on crime and justice.

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