This is a follow up to https://madelinestrum.com/blog/2026/02/28/not-going-anywhere/
The first time I visited New York City was in March of 2002, only six months after 9/11. Seeing bikes chained to parking notices that were now missing tires and rusted out seemed like they hadn’t been trashed yet as a memorial and less like an issue of seizing private property.
The bike a block from my current apartment would have to be proven derelict. Right now the seat is still in great condition, which impressed me because my stepdaughter’s bike sat outside our last apartment for not that long before the seat started to fall apart. It was a big squishy cushion, though.
The chain is completely rusted, but the frame and handle bars look like they’re in good shape. It wouldn’t meet any standards to earn a tag from DSNY warning they intend to trash it. So, it’s just a sad slow decaying process for this bike.
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