Holligan’s bike, a unique mobile broadcasting studio, was stolen from her home, leading to an outpouring of support from her community. Despite the loss, she finds strength in the connections made and the inspiration drawn from her cycling journey, emphasizing the power of stories in addressing urban safety and environmental challenges.
The Heartbreak of a Stolen Bike: A Journalist's Tale of Loss and Community
The Heartbreak of a Stolen Bike: A Journalist's Tale of Loss and Community
BBC journalist Anna Holligan shares her emotional account of a stolen cargo bike that served as a mobile studio, reflecting on loss, community empathy, and the significance of cycling culture in the Netherlands.
As I prepared for what I thought would be a typical afternoon outing, I rushed downstairs only to find a shocking void where my cargo bike once stood. My double lock—snapped—and the space it occupied now merely an empty wall, left me grappling with disbelief. I could hardly comprehend how my beloved bike, so intrinsic to my daily life in Amsterdam, was gone.
In a city where cycling is engrained in the culture—the very essence of "Dutch DNA"—my bike was not just a mode of transport. It had been retrofitted, alongside my colleague Kate Vandy, into the Bike Bureau: a mobile broadcasting studio that catalyzed my series "Dutch News from the Cycle Path." What started as a whimsical question from my daughter turned into an inspiring showcase of balancing motherhood with my passion for journalism. With my bike, I connected with stories, introduced real-time broadcasting, and transformed my school run into a thrilling reporting experience.
Though I don’t expect to reclaim my bike, I swiftly reported the theft to local police, who unfortunately closed the case due to scant evidence. Nevertheless, my community rallied to help, with neighbors and online supporters sharing messages of empathy and solidarity. They cherished the visibility of my experiences as a foreigner navigating their picturesque bike lanes.
The online response to my Instagram Reel documenting the theft revealed how beloved my bike had become—aspects ranging from its innovative, solar-powered design to its role in bridging motherhood with my journalism resonated deeply. Many expressed admiration, recognizing my bike as a pioneering model for modern journalism.
In stark contrast, I learned that bike theft is a rampant issue in the Netherlands, where over 86,000 thefts occurred last year alone. My €5,000 e-cargo bike held great value—not just financially, but in the freedom it afforded me and the childhood adventures it facilitated for my daughter. Losing it feels like losing a close companion, and I worry not just for myself but for the magical moments it provided; rides with fairy lights, spontaneous beach picnics, and nature-filled journeys are now mired in loss.
The incident has ignited conversations around urban safety and the ongoing struggles of mothers in our society. Still, it stands as a celebration of the connections formed through shared stories and community resilience. Although I may never see my bike again, the joy it brought into our lives—and the impact it made on inspiring others—remains unaffected.
