The City Centre Parkade was full of two-wheeled vehicles Saturday as the Calgary Bike Swap took over from the four-wheeled variety for its 14th edition. Saturday morning was spent checking bikes for safety and running their serial numbers to make sure they weren’t stolen. At 2 p.m, founders and organizers Chris and Laura Grant let in people with stolen bike reports to check and see if theirs was among the bikes on hand. At 2:30 p.m., they allowed in the public to buy whichever bike they liked. For Chris, who has health problems, it was his final event. “Today is a glorious return to City Centre Parkade for our annual Calgary Bike Swap and it’s a safe place to buy, sell and donate good used bikes,” he said. Grant said that he and Laura have formed over 90 strategic alliances over the years and that they are talking to some groups about taking over the event now that they’re retiring. As for how many bikes were available Saturday, Chris said, “gut feel is around 500 right now. As for what advice he would offer Calgary cyclists? “Ride your bike,“ he said. ”Save your health. Save the planet.” With files from CTV’s Drew Miller
