LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Theft happens every day. But a Lynnwood man says that when his e-bicycle was stolen, it took away much of his freedom and independence.
Rick Barber can’t fully control his movements due to his Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that causes issues with movement and balance.
“That’s why the stick,” he told KIRO 7 as he walked down the driveway of his friend Don Layton’s house holding a cane.
He gave up driving and now relies on buses to get around, including to volunteer.
“Well, every year I work for the Salvation Army as a bell ringer. Turns out, it’s something I’m good at.”
So good, in fact, that the Salvation Army made him a paid employee, and he earned enough money for an important purchase.
“Well, last year I bought myself a bicycle. An electric bike,” Barber said.
“Had it delivered here,” Layton chuckled.
“Right- had it delivered to your house,” Barber admitted.
The two assembled it.
“An electric XP model 750, brand new,” Barber said proudly.
It cost about $1,350, but he paid more to add headlamps, mirrors, and other safety features.
Barber rode the bike to work, to the store-- everywhere.
“Yeah, it allowed me to go to church when I wanted.”
The e-bicycle was Barber’s transportation and freedom until he parked it outside a local store late last month. He said he was only inside for about ten minutes, but when he came out, his bicycle was gone.
“In my case, it was a necessary form of transportation. It gave me independence, even working for the Salvation Army,” he said. “It’s either a walk in the rain which takes me half an hour or a bike ride which takes me five minutes.”
Barber has filed a police report but doesn’t expect to get the bike back. Crime analysts say most stolen, high-end bikes are quickly sold. It may be a fast buck for a thief, but Layton said it’s a devastating loss for his friend.
“He put 4,000 miles on it in three months; it just brightened up his life,” Layton said.
Barber is trying to earn enough money to replace the bike. Layton is urging the community to help. He’s raising money through GoFundMe. You can find the link here.