According to 2016 census data, a nation-leading 16.9% of Victoria, BC’s 170,030 commuters are engaged in “active transportation.” 6% are cyclers.
Unfortunately, bike theft is prevalent throughout the city. According to Victoria, PD statistics, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 21, 2018 there were 455 bicycle thefts reported. That's 1.95 bikes per day!
Fritz was one of those unlucky bike owners in 2018. His bike was resold at least twice on the used bike market until a chance encounter between him and I revealed I was now riding his bike. When a stolen bike is recovered this way, there are no winners, because:
- Bikes are often broken down for parts and reassembled to make identification more difficult
- They're often no longer in the same condition as they were the day they were stolen
- Subsequent bike owners could be subject to forfeiting the bike or the money they received from selling it.
- Biking is a way of life for many in Victoria! Lives are greatly disrupted for those who rely on their bike as a mode of transportation and/or exercise.
I decided to flip the script! If anyone deserves a new bike, its Fritz! He agreed to let me run a fundraising campaign to get him a new bike. But Fritz isn't exactly the type of guy who enjoys all of the attention; he's more comfortable doing things for others. So, his agreement came with one condition: to split the proceeds with the Black Health Alliance - a community-led charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada, with a strategic focus on healthy inequalities, anti-black racism, building connected communities, and social determinants of health.
It's pretty simple. Donate what you can. 2 dollars, 5 dollars, the change you find under your couch cushions. Every cent helps. Half of the proceeds help Fritz get a new bike, while the other half goes to Black Health Alliance. When we reach our target ($1500) and buy Fritz some shiny new wheels, EVERY cent beyond that will go to Black Health Alliance.
Over the past couple of months it's been incredible to see communities rally for those in need. It's brought out the best in ourselves and our communities. Help me continue that trend!
Thanks!!
Joe
