SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
Dori makes $1,500 bet over Pronto vandalism case
Jun 29, 2016, 12:26 PM | Updated: Jun 30, 2016, 12:00 pm
The City of Seattle is considering purchasing the Pronto! bike sharing service for $1.4 million. (AP)
(AP)
When KIRO Radio Anchor Kim Shepard caught wind of a Pronto! vandalism spree in the University District, she wanted to get more information. But she was left with more questions.
Pronto! is Seattle’s bike share operation that was recently purchased by the city. Shepard told the Dori Monson Show that initial news of the vandalism was vague — it was unclear how many bikes were damaged or where exactly the incidents occurred.
Related: City of Seattle bails out Pronto! for $1.4 million
Motivate, the company contracted to manage Pronto!, would only say that there was an increase in vandalism in a small area.
“They gave us a very vague response when we asked for information,” Shepard said. “What does that tell us? Absolutely nothing.”
Shepard went a few rounds,via email, with the spokesperson, repeatedly reminding them that Pronto! is now a publicly owned operation and that taxpayers have a right to know what is happening. Eventually, she said that she would submit a public records request if needed — answers finally came.
At least 60 bikes were damaged: slashed tires; slashed seats, cut bungee cords. The cost to repair the bikes was about $1,500. Most of the bikes are back out on the road, and the company covered the repair costs. Motivate said they reported the vandalism to Seattle police.
KIRO Radio followed up with the Seattle Police Department.
“They were a little surprised by our phone call,” Shepard said. “They said, ‘We’ve heard there was some vandalism but we had no idea it was 60 bikes, or $1,500. That sounds like more than a little damage.’ It sounds like there were some reports to SPD, but not about the extent of the damage.”
Dori doubts the repair estimates for the bikes. He’s confident that the estimate is too low and is prepared to put his money where his mouth is. Doing some quick math — $1,500 divided by 60 bikes — he figures that each bike cost $25 to fix.
“There’s no way you can repair all those bicycles for $25 each,” Dori said.
“I will bet $1,500 — I will cover the repairs of the bicycles — if you can prove to me that you can repair those 60 bikes for just $1,500,” he said.
News of the Pronto! vandalism was initially reported by KOMO.
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