On behalf of disabled people
Unknown locked bicycles in Zurich Niederdorf
In the city of Zurich, an unknown person locks bicycles and misuses the logo of a non-profit organization to do so. This makes the person potentially liable to prosecution.
In the middle of Zurich’s Niederdorf, an unknown person is currently up to mischief. Pictures on the social platform “Reddit” show numerous locked bikes. They all have the same blue lock – they all have a laminated note attached to them.
“Parked here, your bike will impede people with restricted mobility. Apparently it has been difficult for you to imagine what it’s like to have limited mobility. This lock should help you along the way.»
The bikes are secured with a lock including a three-digit combination. You either need a lot of time until you find the right combination – or you need the necessary tools to pick the lock.
Organization knows nothing
The logo of the organization “Handicap International” can be found on the back of the note. The organization works worldwide for people with physical disabilities. Has «Handicap International» opted for a radical campaign here? No, the organization says on request to Blick. «Handicap International knew nothing regarding this action and is not the initiator. Nobody contacted us and asked for permission to use our logo.»
Legal steps would therefore not be taken at the moment. But watch the situation closely.
Various facts conceivable
The Zurich city police have not yet received any reports of the locked bicycles. If such is the case, it would have to be checked in each case which offense was involved. The unknown person might potentially be prosecuted.
For example, it might be damage to property if a person wants to ride away with the bike and does not notice the lock. But coercion is also a possible penalty – for example, if you miss an appointment because of the lock. However, the city police are not investigating on their own.
