For residents who are looking for a bike for the summer and a deal, Airdrie's bike program offers both.

The program which began earlier this month and will run till September has been happening in Airdrie for over a dozen years at the Airdrie Recycle Depot (21 East Lake Hill Northeast).

"[It] allows residents to either drop off their gently used bike or purchase a new bike," said Leanne Moreira, the Program Coordinator with the City of Airdrie. "We do see people coming every day to buy bikes, or even just come back to see if a new bike has been dropped off that fits their needs, which is great to see."

Prices for the bikes range from $10 for children's bikes and $20 for adult bikes. Moreira said that each year, bicycles are recovered from parks and pathways along the city, which are then held by the city.

"[The city] will hold any recovered bikes for 30 days to allow owners to reclaim their bikes. If it's unclaimed, those bikes will then be offered for sale to Airdrie residents for a nominal fee. Residents may also drop off bikes that are in good working condition."

However, it is important to remember that the City does not inspect the bikes recovered nor have any knowledge of, or warrant the condition the bikes are in.

"Therefore, the bikes are sold “as is” with no liability on the part of the City. Furthermore, the purchaser, by paying the nominal fee, waives any rights or claims against the City and becomes solely responsible."

Moreira also said that because the program is meant to provide residents with access to bikes at a reasonable price, which helps to better serve the community, staff can refuse sale if they feel that the resale of the bike is for profit.

"It's just not wanting to have someone come in and pick up a large number of bikes off our rack and clear us out and then take those home, fix them up and sell them for greater profit."

Moriera said that the first day of the bike program was a smashing success.

"A good portion of our bikes were cleared out, which was just wonderful to see; just how excited our residents were about this program," she added. "And every year just before it starts, we do get a big slew of phone calls asking when the bike programs start. It's nice to hear that and to have those conversations." 

The City also encourages residents to contact them if they believe that the city may have recovered a lost or stolen bike. Residents are also reminded that only debit and credit cards are accepted and the sales are all final.  

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