The theft of a hand cycle from Cambridge North railway station will have a major impact on the independence of HI resident, wheelchair user Marko Velić.
The hand cycle enabled Marko to travel independently, avoiding the need to use, very often full, buses and making local journeys, including the school, run easier.
It was stolen from the cycle park at Cambridge North, which is the least secure station in Britain, with 143 bike thefts reported in 2023.
Marko’s bike was locked there on Thursday 13 February at 6.30am, but the lock was cut through and the bike was gone when he returned to the station around 8pm that same evening.
His wife Jenny told HI HUB: “Marko had already had a challenging journey home, having had to get a taxi home from Cambridge station due to faulty lifts at Cambridge North rendering the platform inaccessible.
“On discovering that his bike had been stolen he reported it directly to the police but there was no one on duty at Cambridge North for him to talk to.”
Hybrid model
Marko has been using a hand cycle to help him get around for over 15 years and has left it locked in many locations including Cambridge North on numerous occasions, without incident.
The one that was stolen is a hybrid model that he bought around two years ago. It enables him to use his arm power, aided with a boost from the battery when needed, such as for longer journeys or when the gradient or wind is against him.
An expensive piece of kit, it was custom built to fit Marko’s particular wheelchair. It is unwieldy and heavy to move, and will have little value to a thief.
An appeal to readers
Talking to HI HUB, Jenny explained: “Unfortunately the hand cycle model stolen looks like it is no longer made for the UK market and we will have a difficult time finding a similar replacement.
“This latest one took 10 months to be custom built and with the current shortages of various components it will likely take a year for a new one to be ready from order. So, all in all, a massive blow that will have a major impact on Marko’s day to day life for quite some time to come.
“It would be very helpful if any of your readers have seen anything that might help locate the hand cycle. We had not realised the extent to which cycle theft was a problem at Cambridge North – we really hope that there is more action taken to make this a safe location to commute from.”
Greater Anglia, operator for Cambridge North station, was approached for comment.
The crime number for this incident is 35/10779/25. If anybody knows of the item’s whereabouts, or has any information surrounding this theft, please contact Cambs Police. Alternatively you can email the HI HUB news team on news@hihub.info