Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
13velo.2.jpg

City Room has the amusing tale of a stolen one-of-a-kind bike, recovered with the help of the Internet, an avenging bike messenger, and inspired plots involving underwear worn on the outside.

When Agata Slota’s bicycle disappeared from a spot near Union Squareone day in September, the odds were that she would never see it again.About 60,000 bikes are stolen in New York City each year, and only 2percent of them are recovered by their owners. Because the bike wasdistinctive –- her brother had built it himself –- Ms. Slota, 27,posted an ad and photograph on Craigslist in the hopes that someonewould notice it.

That is where it would have ended, except that a friend of Ms. Slota’shad also posted a notice about the theft on an online chat room forfixed-gear bike enthusiasts. Such postings are common on the chat room,which serves mainly as a place for, in the words of one regular user,“geeking out over fancy bike parts.” Weeks later, someone posted aresponse after spotting Ms. Slota’s bicycle locked up outside aQuizno’s in Midtown. This set off a flurry of messages that continuedfor weeks and, eventually, led to Ms. Slota getting her bike back.

Photo via City Room

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Outrage’: Pols — And Even DOT Boss — Protest Trump’s Block on 34th St. Busway

A huge rally in Midtown to urge President Trump to get his meathooks off our transit included DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who is poised to capitulate.

October 20, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Uncharted Territory Edition

"No Kings" means hands off our busway. Plus the news.

October 20, 2025

More Tantrums: City Halts 34th Street Busway After Threat from Trump DOT

The feds threatened to cut city and state funding if New York doesn't halt all work on the 34th Street busway so the FHWA can review the project.

October 17, 2025

READY, AIM, ‘MISFIRE’: NYPD’s Bike Speed-Limit Effort Only Adds Confusion in Central Park

Two slowly ambling pedestrians were clocked at 19 miles per hour. So what's the point of this, exactly?

October 17, 2025

Friday Video: Drool Over This London School Street

That's cricket! Check out how London transformed a roadway around a big stadium into a play street.

October 17, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Queen James Edition

State Attorney General Letitia James gave our national security desk reporters Dave Colon and David Meyer the ultimate hat tip. Plus other news.

October 17, 2025
See all posts