A vigilante is swiping back stolen bike share bicycles and returning them

In an unexpected twist on vigilantism, a Reddit user, going by the name u/SeanJ0n, has confessed to salvaging stolen bike share bikes and returning them to their designated stands over the past six months. The post, shared on both r/torontobiking and a broader audience, has sparked a heated discussion about the ethics of taking the law into one’s own hands.

The self-proclaimed “ethical bike thief” claims to have developed a keen eye for identifying stolen bikes by observing certain telltale signs. According to the post, factors such as non-flashing lights, extensive wear and tear, and suspicious behavior by the current user are key indicators that prompt the Bike Share Batman to intervene.

Accompanying the post is a photo of the most recent bike salvaged by the vigilant Redditor, showcasing the extensive damage it had incurred. The user expresses a desire to extend this noble endeavor to privately owned stolen bikes, although the lack of obvious signs poses a significant challenge.

Photo shared via Reddit post of stolen bike returned to bike share stand

The vigilante told local news outlet BlogTO that he has taken back four bikes so far, but sees additional stolen bikes once or twice per week.

“I can’t save them all because they’re either in use or locked up,” he said. “Like anything, once you keep an eye out for it, you’ll start to notice them.”

The ethical implications of u/EthicalBikeThief’s actions have ignited a debate among online communities. While some applaud the user for taking a stand against bike theft, others express concern about the potential dangers of such vigilantism.