Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Unknown vandals stole and vandalized several city bikes on Friday morning hours after they were installed in one of Jeddah's well-known districts, prompting condemnation from Jeddah Municipality. The attack on the central Corniche (Al-Hamra) area, left Jeddah municipality with no option but to remove the damaged bikes which are available for public hire on hourly basis. In an official statement, Mohammed Al-Bugami, the official spokesperson of the Jeddah Municipality said, “The assault and vandalism took place on Friday morning and both Jeddah Municipality and the police are investigating the matter.” Al-Bugami noted that 3 bikes were unaccounted for while five were so badly damaged that they had to be removed. “The installing of two bike-stations, one located in Rawdah district, north of Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St. (Al-Tahlia), and the other one on the southern side of the Corniche, are part of Jeddah Municipality's Corporate Social Responsibility program to encourage the public to enjoy bikes but we are really disappointed because of this mindless act,” he said. Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras signed an agreement with Saudi Investment Bank President Musaed Al-Munifi for the said project. Jeddah Municipality, Saudi Investment Bank and Jeddah Cycling Club launched the project on Wednesday. “The initiative is to motivate residents to cycle at designated public places,” he said. A special feature of the stations is that they are solar powered and operated electronically.
