Bike thefts on the rise in Montreal, authorities concerned [Video]

Authorities and cycling advocates in Montreal are concerned that bike thefts are again on the rise on the island.

Corran Addison is one of those who had his ride stolen despite having a steel chain and padlock for his mountain bike.

“The bike that I was on was an $8,000 dollar bike,” the LaSalle resident said. “It was just three days old.”

What’s even worse, Addison was in his home for just 15 minutes to grab a coffee.

“In that time, when I came out, the chain had been cut and the bike was gone,” he said.

Velo Quebec CEO Jean-Francois Rheault said bike theft is on the rise in the city.

“We know that it’s only the point of the iceberg,” he said. “A lot of people do not take the time to report the bike thefts.”

Rheault said there are two key concerns dissuading Montrealers from cycling: a …