>>>As a matter of fact back in the 80s, in Brighton, I used to shoot around town in one of those "sit-up-and-beg" bikes, with the basket. I used to pull up at greengrocers and fill my basket from the street. Made of cast iron or something, it weighed more than the moon but DID have 3 Sturmey-Archer gears. Believe it or not, it was actually pinched from being chained to the railings of my flat.
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>>Reminds me of when I commuted by train to work. There was a place to lock up your bike and many people used it. One of the bikes was chained through the frame, with a good strong lock. All parts except the frame were removed - the saddle, stem, crank, etc.
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>>I felt sorry for the commuter who had left his bike at the train station. When he got off of the train after work he would discover what I had seen. It took time to strip the bike and it was out in the open for everyone to see.
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>There are a lot of bikes here and I often see that. That's why so many bikes have quick-release wheels and saddles, etc. Seems to me they're more trouble that they're worth - imagine the junk next to your desk.

One of the guys here in our office rides a bike to work. He brings it up and leaves it in a storage room. He wears the helmet and the dorky outfit to ride too, and when I see him like that I never miss the chance to offer to buy him a mirror since he apparently doesn't own one.

In my neighbourhood, I see more and more bikes all the time. I live in an increasingly Asian area, and a lot of the immigrants are older (not aged, but older). An awful lot of them seem to ride bikes. Actually, it's kind of nice somehow - seems to give the area a more serene feel. Their influence has also made the area more walk friendly. During the summer, it's rare to go out in the evening and not meet quite a few couples also out walking.

You know, come to think of it, I really like my neighbourhood a lot.