2021-06-02

Third annual bike exchange underway in Queens

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Have you or a child of yours outgrown a bike, or it just doesn't get used anymore?

The Region of Queens Municipality (RQM) is running its bike exchange program for the third straight year, making it possible to extend the lifespan of a bicycle and pass on its enjoyment to someone else.

Residents can drop off their gently used bicycles at the RQM administration building on White Point Road. The bike will be gone over and small repairs done if needed.

If residents do not have a way to transport their bikes to the administration building, they can call the administration office and parks staff will pick them up.

Photos of the bikes will then be placed on the Queens Place Emera Centre or Queens Coast Life Facebook pages, and the bikes will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"It's a great program. It links up with our physical activity strategy, which is about removing barriers such as cost and getting people active," said RQM Mayor Darlene Norman.

The program began in 2019 when RQM partnered with Liverpool Adventure Outfitters. The adventure equipment company handles the repairs and offers helmets to give-away as well, at a reasonable cost to RQM.

In the program's first year, 18 bikes were given away in June. Last year, 25 bikes changed hands from June through to October.

This year, RQM budgeted $500 for the program to go along with some grant funding. The money is used for repairs and to purchase helmets if needed.

For more information contact the RQM Recreation and Healthy Communities Department.