Chicago's Lake Michigan is facing an unusual pollution challenge - dozens of Divvy bikes have been retrieved from its waters, raising concerns over potential environmental and health impacts. According to NBC Chicago, local citizens have taken it upon themselves to address this issue, with volunteer Glenn Rischke and the Alternative Anglers Association leading the charge. In five outings, they've pulled out 53 bikes and electric scooters along a stretch of lakefront. "In 5 outings we’ve pulled 53 bikes…in maybe 2,000 yards of lakefront," Rischke said.
Rischke discovered the discarded bikes while swimming, and he expressed frustration that the issue is ongoing. The concern is not only about the aesthetics or the inconvenience but also about the broader implications these bikes have once submerged in an essential body of water. "Pretty infuriating, yeah," Rischke said to NBC Chicago, pointing to issues of corporate and civic accountability.
Meanwhile, CBS Chicago reported that a woman recently found 18 Divvy bikes during her walk by the lake, further indicating that this phenomenon isn't a fluke but a recurring problem.
There's a financial aspect to consider as well. Divvy, the bike-sharing system, can charge users up to $1,200 for bikes that are lost or stolen – an amount that might deter some from reporting a misplaced bike. The Chicago Department of Transportation is reportedly working to make docking stations more accessible along the lakefront, as stated by CBS Chicago.
