I am from NYC raised in Bufflo. i am also black and hispanic. I don't think it would matter. I visit NYC and BFLO often, I think whoever said, best bet is to wave down a beat cop is right, anything else is in vain. I know I would be PO'd. I called my insurance and my bike is covered but with a $500 deductible!!! I keep my bike with me as much as possible, even here in WA state. I argue with the gym staff weekly to bring it inside. I cannot afford a new bike (by choice of profession) and I couldn't find a replacement like mine if I tried.