London's BBC journalist Anna Holligan recounts the heart-wrenching theft of her cargo bike, a mobile broadcasting studio that embodied her dual role as a mother and reporter. Despite the community's support, she teaches readers about the importance of urban cycling and the impact of theft in the Netherlands, where bike crime is alarmingly common.
A Heartfelt Farewell to My Stolen Broadcasting Bike
A Heartfelt Farewell to My Stolen Broadcasting Bike
Anna Holligan reflects on the stolen cargo bike that was not just a mode of transport but a symbol of her journey in journalism and motherhood.
It was meant to be a routine afternoon when I encountered a moment of disbelief—my beloved cargo bike, a vital piece of my working life, was gone. Upon descending from my Amsterdam apartment, I discovered the double lock that secured it to the wall had been cut. My daughter, navigating among the rows of bicycles, couldn’t accept the loss; her hopeful search ended in vain.
In the Netherlands, cycling is not just a pastime but a cultural cornerstone. Without a car, my bike is my lifeline for errands, school runs, and even breaking news coverage. This was no ordinary bicycle; alongside my colleague Kate Vandy, we had transformed it into a mobile broadcasting unit, affectionately dubbed the Bike Bureau. The project ignited a series called "Dutch News from the Cycle Path," inspired by a simple question my daughter posed: “Why don’t you just tell people the news now?”
The bike was unique, enabling me to deliver live broadcasts from various locations with my daughter accompanying me, showcasing the joys and challenges of working motherhood. It was more than a bicycle; it was a mobile platform that fostered connections and opened doors to collaborations, awards, and a vibrant community who resonated with our narrative.
I have little hope of recovering my bike after reporting to the police. Their investigation was brief; they quickly closed the case due to the absence of evidence. Nonetheless, the support from neighbors and online friends has been heartening, illustrating their appreciation of the visibility I brought to our bike-friendly city.
To my surprise, this theft sparked a wider dialogue around urban safety and cycling infrastructure. As feedback poured in, colleagues recognized my cargo bike as a visionary model for the future of journalism, highlighting its eco-friendly design. The bike was solar-powered, eliminating the reliance on polluting satellite trucks.
Amidst this backlash against theft—especially in a country where bike theft has tragically become prevalent—I realized its deeper impact. In 2022 alone, over 86,000 bicycles were reported stolen in the Netherlands, representing a disturbing rise from previous years. My loss amounted to a financial setback but more so an emotional one; the bike was a symbol of independence for me and a gateway to nature-filled adventures for my daughter—picnics, rides, and whimsical explorations that shaped her childhood.
Though my bike may be gone, it sparked essential conversations about challenges mothers face and the determination to reclaim our narrative in urban spaces. The community we’ve built through shared stories remains intact, and nobody can take away what it meant to us in our lives.
