Following the theft of his distinctive bicycle this past week, Alex Benigno, a local advocate known for his efforts to clear metal debris from the streets, has turned to the community for help. Benigno, often referred to as the 'Atlanta Magnet Man' for his unique contributions to road safety, is seeking assistance after losing the custom bicycle that played a crucial role in his daily work.
According to WABE, Benigno's custom bike is an "orange Elliptigo bicycle without a seat," which is not only uncommon but also described as difficult to handle and offers a substantial workout. Benigno expressed some hope in his Instagram plea, saying, “This bicycle is very difficult to ride and is a real workout so hopefully he didn’t get very far.” The theft took place near Ralph McGill Boulevard and Freedom Parkway, and despite a surveillance video shared on social media showcasing the incident, there has been no significant lead on the whereabouts of the suspect or the two-wheeled apparatus.
The 'Magnet Man's' bike isn't your everyday two-wheeler; as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, it's equipped with a motor and carried a magnetic trailer specifically designed to collect metallic litter such as nails and screws, which pose a puncture risk to tires rolling over Atlanta's thoroughfares. The value of the missing bike and its specialized equipment is estimated around $3,000, leaving a significant void not only in Benigno's daily routine but also in the general upkeep of vehicular safety in the area.
In a statement that he told WABE back in 2024, Alex said, “I like to randomly do things to help when nobody’s looking. I’ll do just random stuff to help improve things that will benefit random people that I’ve never met before … it’s just so that I can do a little thing to fix something so somebody doesn’t suffer down the road.” The theft of his bike has disrupted his good deeds, but the Atlanta community is rallying to help, sharing details of the theft and Benigno’s contact information in hopes of finding leads.
Should anyone have information related to the theft or the location of the stolen bike, they are encouraged to reach out via Benigno's Instagram page.
