Calgary 
Alberta Bike Swap is returning to Calgary and Edmonton after two years of COVID-19 pandemic-induced hiatus.
Alberta Bike Swap is a non-profit entity that organizes Bike Swap events where you can buy, sell, and donate bikes.
Alberta Bike Swap was started in 2011 by Chris and Laura Grant after they faced scary incidents buying and selling bikes. They, then, sketched out processes, designed (and patented) bike racks, and designed (and patented) fit-for-purpose software that was digitized after CBC Gem did a show about their impact.
The organization tech check every bike and record every serial number. They also record the chain of bike ownership. According to Alberta Bike Swap, the local police have recovered bikes that were sold at Alberta Bike Swap events which were later stolen and then sold online and in pawnshops based on their due diligence.
This year, Bike Swap events also include children’s bikes.
In 2019, Alberta Bike Swap events had over ~17000 attendees and donated over $28,500 in bikes and in-kind to dozens of strategic alliances.
2022 Calgary Bike Swap will be held on May 7 & 8 at Sunridge Mall and the Edmonton event on May 14th at MacEwan University – City Centre.
If you are planning to buy bikes at the event, then there is a $2.00 admission for adults, while kids 12 and under are free. This fee is donated to a local non-profit bike group to fix the donated bikes.
If you are planning to sell your bike at the event, then you have to pay a $15 rack fee per bike to put it into the sale ($5 off for AMA members). Once your bike is sold at the event, they will send you the cheque or e-transfer the money, less 13% within 1-2 weeks of the swap. If your bike is not sold at the event, then you will have to pick it up after they contact you. Alberta Bike Swap organizers say they incur a cost of ~$32.00 per bike before it gets into the swap. This includes marketing, truck rentals, venues, bank costs, food for 210 volunteers, insurance, postage, debit fees, printing, security, supplies, and more.
They only accept debit or cash.
