Calgarians take cycling consignment for a spin after event's 2-year hiatus
Calgarians wanting to cycle through used bikes took to Sunridge Mall this weekend to change their wheels.
The Calgary Bike Swap, organized by Alberta Bike Swap, is a springtime event that aims to provide a safe space to buy, sell or donate a bike.
"We welcome people to bring in their used bikes, we tech check them, to make sure it is a good used bike," said Chris Grant, co-founder of Alberta Bike Swap. "That is our primary goal, is to make a sale of a safe bike."
On Saturday, those looking to sell their bikes were able to drop them off, and if they were sold on Sunday, a cheque will be mailed out after, minus a 15 per cent commission.
"The numbers of bikes for sale are down from previous years, but looking at the sale rate, I think we're between 85 and 95 per cent," said Grant.
The event began in 2011 after Grant and his wife Laura after some troubling experiences with buying and selling items online.
"We thought there must be a better way to do this," he said.
Grant said there were times when sellers had misleading advertisements or they didn't feel safe with potential buyers.
"The time I was selling a bike, (I said to the buyer) 'Buddy, the bike is here. You're supposed to be looking at the bike, not checking everything else out in my space, in my garage,'" said Grant. "And it was around that time we were robbed of bikes."
Alberta Bike Swap says unlawfully obtained goods have no place at their event.
"We tech check it, we record the serial number," Grant said. "We found that to be quite effective in keeping stolen goods away."
For residents who participate in online buying and selling, Calgary Police say there are ways to make transactions safer, including meeting in a public place with people around, like one of their offices, bringing someone with you, using cash, and not giving out personal information.
The Grants had put the brakes on the annual event for the past two years due to the pandemic and are optimistic about the return.
Lethbridge held its bike swap on April 30, but Edmonton will be hosting its next weekend.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.