Justin Connors' three-wheel bicycle was the key to his independence.

The 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, would often ride his red Schwinn Meridian to the gym and to pick up anything he needed from the 7-Eleven store.

But since his bike with the big, white basket on the back was stolen from his back yard Sunday night, Connors can't walk up the street from his Mountain home to get milk by himself because, if he fell, he wouldn't be able to get up on his own, said his sister, Natasha.

Natasha, 25, likened the situation to someone's wheelchair being stolen.

"He relies on that to get around," she said, adding he can't keep his balance on a two-wheel bike and he's legally not allowed to drive.

Connors said he also used his bike to exercise his legs and reduce stiffness for the three months he had it, so since it's been gone, he's been sore.

His dad discovered the bike was missing when he went out to work Monday morning and noticed it had been cut free from a bolted lock in his back yard, Connors said.

The East 24th Street resident bought his bike from Canadian Tire three months ago after saving up about $500, money that was leftover after paying his bills.

"They're not that cheap," he said.

Natasha said her brother receives disability benefits, but he can't afford to take taxis everywhere. She drives him around when she can, and so do her parents, but both parents work full time, and Natasha is a full-time student at McMaster University.

Connors said people from his neighbourhood have helped search for the bike and posted information on Facebook to see if anyone has noticed it around the neighbourhood.

Natasha is hoping if someone bought the bike and learns it was stolen, perhaps they might be willing to return it for a reward.