Stolen Cargo Bike: A Heartfelt Loss in the Cycling Community

A BBC journalist shares the deep personal and community ties to her stolen cargo bike, highlighting its role in her professional and personal life.

On what began as a regular day filled with plans, a shocking discovery left BBC journalist Anna Holligan in disbelief when she found her cargo bike missing from its secure spot in her Amsterdam apartment. The double lock that had secured it was brutally hacked, leaving not only an empty space but also an emotional void.

Cycling is an integral part of life in the Netherlands – it's woven into the country's culture, or what Anna calls its "Dutch DNA." Owning a car is not in her routine; the bike was her necessary companion, crucial for everything from school runs to grocery shopping. This wasn't just any bike; Anna and her colleague, Kate Vandy, transformed it into a mobile broadcasting studio known as the Bike Bureau. What started as a spontaneous idea—sharing news during school commutes—evolved into a unique series called "Dutch News from the Cycle Path," with her daughter often accompanying her on these adventures.

The bike offered Anna the ability to cover live news events from various locations, illustrating the reality and joy of balancing motherhood and work. It became a vital tool for broadcasting, resulting in recognition, awards, and forming community connections through shared stories.

Despite calling the police the moment she discovered its theft, prospects of its recovery seem bleak. The police opened a case, but closed it quickly due to insufficient evidence. The online support from neighbors and friends has been comforting, with many expressing solidarity and empathy for her loss.

Anna's social media posts about the incident resonated with many, bringing voices from colleagues who admired the bike as a multiple-use tool for journalism as well as a symbol of motherhood and creativity. The solar-powered bike also represented a commitment to combating climate change, demonstrating that sustainable journalism is not only possible but effective.

Surprisingly, bike theft in the Netherlands is a significant issue, with over 86,000 reported stolen in the previous year alone—a drastic rise over previous years. Her e-cargo bike, priced at nearly €5,000, holds more value than its financial worth; it provided Anna with independence and made her daughter's childhood enchanting through outings and adventures.

The theft has ignited discussions regarding cycling safety, urban infrastructure, and the realities of modern parenting. While Anna may never retrieve her beloved bike, its legacy—a fusion of creativity, community engagement, and environmental consciousness—remains irreplaceable.