Calgary bike lovers swapped bikes Saturday

Saturday was Alberta Bike Swap Day, and Calgary bike lovers had the opportunity to sell, swap, or even get a new bike.

The one-day event offered a safe place to donate, buy, or sell used bikes. It was started by cycling enthusiasts Chris and Laura Grant.

The couple had the idea 12 years ago, where they started a non-profit to give back and promote a cycling lifestyle that has a low carbon footprint.

“I wish I had this earlier in my life. I’m always buying bikes new, but looking around seeing other bikes I wouldn’t mind buying myself,” Laura told CityNews.

“We provide a safe place to sell, buy and donate bikes. And then we return the money back to society to fund safe cycling and fund other cycling related non-profits.”

Lineup to find steal

Hundreds of people lined up early in the morning trying to find a steal.

“It’s a huge difference between this and buying a brand-new bike. I’ve seeing bikes less than half price absolutely,” one Calgarian told CityNews.

The event offered easy access to trade.

“It’s great yeah. It’s really accessible and it’s a great way to get everyone together to sell your bike,” another bike lover said.

This year’s new edition offered children bikes, adding to the portfolio of road, mountain, cruiser, folding, commuter, hybrid, custom, and vintage bikes.

Bikes pass security check

Laura says she created and developed a software — a real time security database — to check every single bike to make sure it’s not been reported as stolen through their own bike index.

“We designed this bike index and also designed a software for this. The software is actually pretty slick. We’re pretty proud of it. It’s actually the only bike swap software in the entire world,” Laura said.

After the first check with the software, the bike goes to a tech check for safety control.

“We gotta make sure it’s got enough air in the tires; brakes, making sure the brakes are working well; and the chain, making sure the chain is on tight, but also if the chain isn’t worn out,” said Rory Allen, a bike technician with Alberta Bike Swap.

Laura adds they have a 12 per cent rejection rate with many bikes brought in not being up to safety standards.

“We’ve seen those bikes being sold online again in a few hours and they’re gone again, which means they were sold online. If we rejected them, we rejected them for a reason,” Laura added.