Someone Stole My BBC Broadcasting Bike - It's Like Losing a Friend

I was planning an ordinary afternoon out - bags packed, ready to roll - when I bounded downstairs and was hit by a jolt of disbelief. The space where my cargo bike should have been was empty, and the double lock that had bolted it to my apartment wall was hacked. My daughter darted between the other bikes, convinced someone must have moved it, but no, it was gone.

I'm not surprised that my beloved e-cargo bike, which we named the Bike Bureau, was stolen in the Hague - cycling is deeply embedded in daily life here and bike theft is endemic. But what's surprising is how much I've come to rely on it for more than just commuting. My colleague Kate Vandy and I retrofitted it into a mobile broadcasting studio, which has become an integral part of my reporting career.

I started "Dutch News from the Cycle Path", a reporting series born on the school run after my daughter asked me: "Why don't you just tell people the news now?" The bike allowed me to reach breaking news scenes and broadcast live from anywhere, my daughter by my side, showing that working motherhood could be visible, joyful and real. It opened doors to collaborations, awards and a community of people who saw themselves in our story.

I have zero expectation of getting the bike back, and searching for it has proven fruitless. But what's astonishing is how many people care about its loss. Colleagues and friends responded to my Instagram Reel about the theft, with legendary BBC camerawoman Julie Ritson calling my bike a blueprint for the future of journalism. Others said it was a relatable life-hack that showed how one person can manage motherhood and career.

Research last year from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism shows audiences are not only interested in climate change news - they are particularly engaged by stories that highlight individuals taking empowering action in response to the crisis. My e-cargo bike was solar-powered, cutting the need for satellite trucks with heavy equipment and the pollution that mode of transport brings.

But what's striking is how much the theft has sparked conversations about urban safety, cycling infrastructure, and the burdens mothers still carry. It's also a testament to the community we've built and the power of sharing authentic stories from the saddle. I might not get my bike back, but no one can steal what it gave us all.

The Impact on My Daughter

Aside from the impact on my own lifestyle, the Bike Bureau gave my daughter a magical, nature-filled childhood: picnics in the dunes, detours to see highland cows, fairy lights in winter, breezy rides to the beach in summer. The bike became an extension of our family - we rode it together, explored the city as a team, and created memories that I'll treasure forever.

A Community Rallies Around

People online and in my local community have rallied round to try to find the bike since I put out an appeal. Neighbours asked if I was okay, telling me they loved to see me enjoy their bike lanes and see their city from my foreigner's perspective. It's a reminder that even in times of loss, there is always kindness and support available.

The Future of Journalism

Julie Ritson's comment about the Bike Bureau being a blueprint for the future of journalism resonates deeply with me. We may not have our bike back, but we've gained something far more valuable - a sense of community and purpose. The Bike Bureau was more than just a tool - it was a symbol of what's possible when people come together to tell stories that matter.

A Call to Action

As we move forward without my beloved e-cargo bike, I'm reminded of the power of sharing authentic stories from the saddle. The Dutch 'bike banks' are a game changer for kids - they provide affordable bikes to those who need them most, promoting cycling as a mode of transport and a way of life.

A Legacy Lives On

Even without my bike, I know that its impact will live on. The conversations it sparked, the community it built, and the stories it inspired - these are all a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. And as for me? I'll continue to ride, report, and share our story from wherever life takes me.