Someone Is Cutting Brakes On Seattle's Dockless Bikes

SEATTLE, WA - We've seen them dismantled, tossed into Puget Sound, or perched atop the Fremont Troll. But now people are putting dockless bikeshare users in real danger by cutting brake lines.

The Seattle Department of Transportation is documenting vandalism, first reported Wednesday by Curbed Seattle, as are Seattle's three bikeshare companies, LimeBike, Ofo, and Spin.

But SDOT is warning bikeshare users to start checking brakes before riding. That warning is especially pertinent for riders planning a trip down any of Seattle's many steep hills.

"We are working closely with law enforcement to identify those involved with these incidents. If you have any information relating to these acts of vandalism, please contact Seattle police at the non-emergency number at 206-625-5011. If you witness a crime in action please dial 9-1-1," LimeBike wrote in a statement on Twitter.

There are thousands of dockless bikes scattered around Seattle. The companies respond to vandalism and other strange acts, usually within 24 hours. If you find a bike with severed brake lines or anything else, contact the bikeshare company directly:

• 1-888-LIME-345 | support@limebike.com
• 1-844-289-9747 | support@ofobike.com
• 1-888-262-5189 | support@spin.pm

File photo by Neal McNamara/Patch