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. There was no prior notification of the bikes needing to be cleared along the route by NYPD and onlookers were not given information as to what would become of the bikes. Happy Earth Day! (Updating this story as more information comes available.)
It seems that the President is no longer your new bicycle, but NYPD's overzealous response to his visit is your reason for needing to get one.
(Photo by Anthony Rebholz.)
Update: Gothamist has more information and another picture.
Update 4/23: Your bikes have been located and no, there was no sign.
Update 4/29: Video! Sad, sad video!
