Organizers hope to double attendance at the Calgary Bike Swap, May 6
In addition to offering low-cost, quality bikes, the event also supports local cycling charities in Calgary.
On May 6, the 2017 edition of the Calgary Bike Swap will be happening, offering Calgarians a chance to get their hands on a pair of wheels just when the spring weather starts to prove most enticing for riders—both new and experienced.
Hosted by Alberta Bike Swap, the goal this year is an ambitious one: to top last year’s attendance of 4,500, and to get Calgary moving in record numbers.
Not only does the Calgary Bike Swap offer good, quality bikes at affordable costs, it also supports local charities, with a chunk of the proceeds being donated to groups such as Bike Calgary and its Safe Cycle Program. Speaking to the Calgary Herald, organizers Laura and Chris Grant—who started the swap by collecting donated and consignment sale bikes—noted their hope to double last year’s attendance, filling a city-wide cycling need in the process.
As Laura Grant said, “We’re chronically short of bikes, so if you’ve got a bike to sell or donate, this is the place to do it. You have no idea what the donations do; they really do change lives.” By supporting bike-related charities in the Alberta city, she said, the swap—while taking a 13 per cent cut to cover the costs of the event—is proudly advocating the development of a safe and accessible riding scene in Calgary.
“We’re funding safe cycling in Alberta because it’s a very important thing,” she added. “Same road, same rules.”
The Calgary Bike Swap kicks off at the City Centre Parkade (340 10th Avenue SW) on May 6, starting at 8 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. The entry fee for the first 500 attendees is $2.
