A Journalist's Heartbreak: The Theft of a Beloved Broadcasting Bike

Anna Holligan of BBC News shares her poignant experience of having her cargo bike, a vital tool in her dual role as a mother and journalist, stolen in Amsterdam. The event prompted discussions about community values and urban safety while highlighting the deep connections formed through shared experiences.

I was gearing up for a regular afternoon outing, bags in hand, when I was struck with disbelief. The place where my cargo bike was securely locked to the wall of my Amsterdam apartment was empty, and the robust double lock had been cut.

My daughter rushed to check between the other bicycles, convinced that someone had simply moved it, but it was nowhere to be found. In the Netherlands, cycling is integral to our daily routine — it's embedded in what we call "Dutch DNA." With no car, my bike served as my lifeline for various errands from school runs to grocery shopping.

This wasn’t just any bicycle. My colleague, Kate Vandy, and I transformed it into a mobile broadcasting studio, affectionately named the Bike Bureau. It was from this bike that I launched my series "Dutch News from the Cycle Path," inspired by my daughter's suggestion to broadcast the news while we were out cycling together.

The bike was not only practical; it embodied our mission to spread joy and visibility in the realm of working motherhood, allowing me to report live from news scenes with my daughter by my side. It opened doors to new collaborations, garnered awards, and contributed to a community eager to connect with our story.

However, I have little hope of recovering it. Despite my immediate call to the police and their opening of an investigation, the case closed shortly after due to lack of evidence. Community members have rallied in support since I made an appeal, expressing their concern and sharing fond memories of seeing me out exploring their city through my lens.

My daughter wonders why our stolen bike evokes such interest and concern from others. Social media reactions poured in after I revealed the loss. A renowned BBC camerawoman described it as a model for the future of journalism. Many noted that it exemplified a creative life-hack that showcased the balance of motherhood and career, inspiring them to see cargo bikes in a new light.

Equipped with solar technology, it represented a sustainable approach to journalism, minimizing reliance on bulky and polluting satellite trucks. According to research by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that highlight individual efforts against climate concerns.

Some individuals expressed surprise that thefts like this happen in the Netherlands, where bike theft is unfortunately common. The local police reported over 86,000 stolen bikes last year, a rising trend from previous years. Most stolen bikes end up stripped for parts or resold.

This e-cargo bike was a significant investment, costing nearly €5,000 (£4,200) — quite a bit more than the car I sold previously. While the BBC won't take a financial hit, the bike afforded me a sense of freedom. Losing it feels akin to losing a cherished friend. Beyond the practical loss, it took away a magical means for my daughter to experience nature: summer beach days, unexpected picnics in the dunes, and winter rides under fairy lights.

The theft has ignited conversations surrounding urban safety, cycling infrastructure, and the challenges facing mothers today. It also highlights the strength of the community we’ve nurtured and the impact of sharing genuine stories from our rides.

While the likelihood of my bike's return remains slim, the joy and life lessons it gave us can never truly be stolen.