NYPD Confiscated Bikes on Obama Motorcade Route

[Lagomorph]

Obama has no idea what he just got himself into. Someone sent this photo to the blog This Is FYF, which reports that "citing security concerns that bikes might be secret pipe bombs, NYPD officers clipped the locks of hundreds of bikes along Houston Street this morning in preparation for President Obama's speech at Cooper Union. The bikes were unceremoniously put in the back of the truck. Onlookers were not given information as to what would become of the bikes. Happy Earth Day!"

We're trying to get information on this from the NYPD, and will let you know if they respond. Until then, we can only assume Obama hates cyclists and wants all bike lanes permanently painted over.

UPDATE: Below, further photographic evidence of the bike seizure. And one Twitter user says, "If your bike's lock got cut for obama's ride. They're on Delancey btwn Pitt &ridge. They said they won't be here long." We have no confirmation that that is actually true, and we're still waiting for the NYPD to respond to our questions. But for historical perspective, in 2004 cyclists associated with Critical Mass sued the city after the NYPD sawed through bike locks and seized bikes in Union Square.

http://gothamist.com/2010/04/22/nypd_seen_confiscating_bikes_along.php

Of course it's not Obama's fault, but I'm still stunned by the NYPD.

[EFerrari]

1. It makes me wonder about the threat level. n/t

[Occulus]

2. One good question pointed out in the comments there:

If the NYPD was concerned that there may have been a bike bomb present, why didn't they call in the bomb squad to remove the bikes?

[PJPhreak]

3. As one of the estmated 5000-6000 folk

Who participated in the Aug 27 2004 Critical Mass Ride in NYC
and as an avid Cyclist all I have to say about the NYC Police
Depts treatment of Riders is...

PISS OFF!!!

Support Times Up!!    

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[FrenchieCat]

4. Sure, it's Obama's fault!

Everything else is....so why shouldn't this be as well?
Seriously.

[pinniped]

5. Some idiot commentor said bike bombs are real, and for proof cited....

this wikipedia description:

A bicycle bomb (or bike bomb) is an improvised explosive device that is placed on a bicycle.

Genius.

Think I'll submit a wikipedia entry for this:

Razor Scooter Bomb

A Razor scooter bomb (or Razor scooter bomb) is an improvised explosive device that is placed on a Razor scooter.