English cyclist donates recovered bike
A cyclist from England has donated his recovered bicycle as a way to say thank you to the people of Niagara Falls. Earlier this year in July, members of the community rallied to support English adventure cyclist Ben Watts.
Watts had been the victim of a theft of his bicycle and other belongings when passing through Niagara.
At the time of the theft, Watts had been cycle touring through Canada and the United States.
Niagara Regional Police began an investigation, and in August were able locate and recover Watts’ stolen bike.
The recovery did not lead to an arrest.
On Wednesday, at Watts’ request, the recovered bicycle was released to Niagara Falls resident Sue Gabrielli.
Gabrielli and her family had assisted Watts after the theft.
In an NRP press release, Watts said he was happy to hear his bike was recovered by police.
He thanked them for their “hard work.”
“I am back in London, England, so I have asked that one of my friends in Niagara Falls collect the bike for me and donate to someone who may be in need and could really use it, or to sell the bike and to do good with the proceeds.”
Watts said he will never forget the “warmth and love” shown to him by Niagara residents.
“It’ll stay with me for a lifetime. I can’t wait to visit the many friends I made during that time, again. I’ll always remember the special time I had in Canada, and with the people there. Thanks a million!”