I'm sad, but after writing this, I won't be.
Of the deluge of thoughts that run through my mind a few stand out:
- Did I lock it poorly? How to learn from this? (no idea)
- Who stole it, what was their motivation (genuine need? peer pressure? malice?) and how did they select my bike?
- Was buying a bike worth it, after all of this?
Let's address this last question. All in, here's what my bike cost:
- Bike: $200
- Lock: $50
- Helmet(also stolen): $35
- Bike Lights (also stolen): $15
Accumulated expenses over time:
- Popped tire: $11
- Stolen Seat + Shaft: $60
- New Brakes: $30
- Bent Tire Frame: $15
All in Expenses: $416
Now, consider that against the money I saved by riding a bike. Let's rather conservatively assume I didn't take about 4 subways per month, and (at minimum) 2 cabs per month:
- 4 * 2.25 = $10
- 2 * 11 = $22
- Total Money Saved per Month: $32
I bought my bike last August, which means it has lasted me about 15 Months.
Total Savings = 32 * 15 = $480
Ultimately, I came out on top (not on top of my bike, unfortunately).
Let's compare the 'psychological' pluses and minuses:
Pluses:
- The power and freedom of having a bike in the city
- The joy of riding a bike in the city
- The knowledge that riding a bike in the city is joyful, empowering and liberating
- The exercise that comes from biking everywhere
- The appreciation for cycling overall & the resulting camaraderie with other bikers
- Time saved (wow) by biking instead of other modes of transport
Minuses:
- Initial terror at riding a bike in the city (p.s. this could also be a plus)
- Shock and fear when my seat & shaft got stolen
- This feeling now (whatever it is) now that my whole bike has been stolen
Considering all of this, as much as I miss my bike, what a beautiful decision it was and what joy and abundance it brought me! I prefer to celebrate it and move on to the next, rather than wallow in the sadness of having lost it.
Here's to you bike - thank you for everything.
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