JOE MAMMA CYCLES

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🚨 A stolen bicycle case in Ottawa has sparked concern after police revealed the bike was not a regular bicycle — it was specially designed for an elderly man living with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

According to Ottawa police, the custom-made bike was taken from a residential driveway in the Alta Vista neighbourhood between July 12 and July 14.

Investigators are now searching for a suspect described as having curly brown hair and wearing a red T-shirt, black pants with patches, black motorcycle-style boots, and carrying a black backpack.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

Authorities are also reminding residents not to confront suspected bike thieves themselves. If a theft is happening in real time, call 911; if the theft has already occurred, report it to police.

What do you think — should stolen mobility equipment for vulnerable people face tougher penalties?

If it seems too good to true - it is.

🚨 That suspiciously cheap "Specialized" part or bargain e-bike on AliExpress? There's a reason regulators just came down hard on the platform.

The Chinese retail giant was hit with a record $629 million fine for failing to stop the sale of unsafe and counterfeit goods on its site, the biggest penalty of its kind so far. Investigators found its safety checks could be "easily bypassed," letting knockoff gear and dangerous products slip through, sometimes sitting online for weeks before anyone caught them.

For cyclists, this one hits close to home. Fake Specialized, Pinarello, and Cannondale parts have been turning up on marketplaces for years. They look right in the photos, but nobody built them to handle a real ride. Then there are the budget e-bikes with fire-prone batteries and missing safety fuses, which is where a cheap deal can turn into a house fire.

AliExpress says it's already improved and plans to appeal. Still, it's worth remembering next time a "brand-name" carbon part shows up at a fraction of the shop price.

If it wasn’t for Mike Jamieson, Joe Mamma Cycles wouldn’t exist. Mike was a founding partner in the shop and was instrumental in the companies beginning. After taking the company on solo he still remained a valued friend.

Hats off to Mike for his leadership and willingness to help whenever he can.

💚 Some people volunteer for a season. Others make it part of the rhythm of their lives. 🚲

This month, we're honoured to share Mike Jamieson's story.

Mike has served as a ride leader, skating volunteer, Board Director, and former Board President with Trips for Kids Ottawa. When asked what impressed him most, he didn't mention the trails or bikes, but the young people.

Watching youth from the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre encourage one another, celebrate each other's successes, and experience the freedom of being outdoors reminded Mike that our programs are about so much more than cycling. They create space for confidence, connection, healing, and hope.

As Mike puts it:

"I simply can't imagine not doing it. What could I possibly be doing that's more worthwhile?"

We hope you'll take a few minutes to read Mike's story and see why Trips for Kids Ottawa is part of his life's rhythm.

🔗 Read Mike's Volunteer Spotlight here: https://www.tripsforkidsottawa.ca/post/volunteer-spotlight-mike-jamieson

Thank you, Mike, for making Trips for Kids Ottawa part of your life, and for helping so many young people find confidence, connection, and joy in simply being outdoors together. 💚