Ottawa resident Kevin Shaw says he's still in disbelief after the custom-built bicycle he's owned for more than two decades was stolen from outside his Alta Vista home in mid-July.
For Shaw, who lives with cerebral palsy, the bike isn't just a mode of transportation — it's a piece of specialized equipment built specifically around his needs, and one he says can't simply be replaced with something off a shop floor. He's calling the theft "brazen," and wants both the bike returned and whoever took it held accountable.
A Bike Built for One Person
Custom bicycles designed for riders with mobility challenges are often modified over years, with adjustments to frame geometry, seating, handlebars, and pedals to suit a specific rider's body and needs. That kind of tailoring makes a bike like Shaw's difficult — and expensive — to duplicate. It also means the bike likely has little resale value to anyone but him, which makes the theft all the more frustrating for Shaw and for Ottawa residents who've heard his story.
What Happened
According to Shaw, the bicycle was taken from his home in the Alta Vista neighbourhood, a leafy, family-oriented area in Ottawa's south end known for its quiet streets and proximity to the Ottawa Hospital's General Campus. Shaw has owned the bike for more than 20 years, relying on it as a trusted piece of mobility equipment. Its disappearance has left him without an accessible way to get around that he had long depended on.
An Ottawa Story About Accessibility and Community
Bike theft is a persistent frustration across Ottawa, with cyclists in neighbourhoods from the Glebe to Vanier regularly reporting stolen bikes to police and on community social media groups. But Shaw's case underscores a distinct problem: for cyclists with disabilities, a stolen bike isn't just an inconvenience — it can mean losing an essential piece of accessible mobility equipment that took years to get right.
Shaw's willingness to speak publicly about the theft has struck a chord with many in the city, who see it as a reminder of the added barriers Ottawa residents with disabilities can face, even when it comes to something as simple as getting around the neighbourhood. Advocates for accessible transportation in Ottawa have long pushed for better bike security infrastructure and awareness, and cases like Shaw's tend to reignite those conversations.
What's Next
Shaw is hoping that speaking out will help get his custom bike back, or at the very least send a message that theft targeting accessible equipment carries real consequences for the person who loses it. Anyone in the Alta Vista area with information about the bike is encouraged to come forward.
Ottawa residents who spot a bike matching Shaw's description, or who have information about the theft, are encouraged to contact local police.
Source: CBC Ottawa
